A Nurturing Beginning to Your Child's Early Education Success
Encouragement & Love
Toddlers are learning to be more independent. Our caregivers allow children to explore and try new things while always making sure to provide support when needed.
Toddlers Are Sponges
Especially with children at this age, our caregivers realize the importance of the behaviors they are modeling. We stress "please" and "thank you," taking turns, following instructions, and considering others. While your child is learning about himself and busy looking out for himself, he is also developing positive self-esteem which is essential to social development.
Language/Cognitive Exploration
Books, pillows, bean bags, letter cards, puppets, puppet theaters, and flannel boards fill our reading centers to aid in language development. AppleTree Learning Center also incorporates Zoo-phonics ® to initiate reading readiness at an early age. Toddlers are working to gain vocabulary and to express themselves and our caregivers work with them to achieve this goal.
For additional information about the phonics program, see our Zoo-phonics ® page.
Exploring with the Senses and Learning Center Activities
Through the five senses, toddlers discover our complex world. AppleTree encourages sensorial learning by providing a stimulating environment and giving your child time and opportunity to explore. Their days are filled with exploring their creativity with paints, crayons, and play dough. They'll make time for playing house and dress-up to expand the imagination. And they'll make use of their quiet corners - filled with pillows and picture books - to help your child reach a sense of calm.
The Toddler Rooms purposely have separate learning center areas to begin introducing structure into the classroom. This separation also fosters your child's awareness that different behavior is appropriate in different settings. With books, music, and educational toys they will have plenty to do and can begin to understand the world around them.
Motor Development
Outside time is a favorite activity for most toddlers. Our special toddler playgrounds make running and playing safe and fun! Our teachers help your child master the soft climbers in the room to help with balance and muscle development. Our indoor gym and large outdoor playground areas also aid in developing gross motor skills.
Circle Time
Circle time in the Toddler Room is a fun and interactive time for songs, reading, finger-plays, and fun! Children learn the concepts of the month through fun and engaging games and conversations. Circle time is brief with this age group but is packed with fun and educational activities.
Pedal's Potty Training Program
At AppleTree, we are committed to making potty training a positive experience by implementing a program that is both exciting for your child and easy to use at home as well. Our program utilized our custom Apple Sticker Rewards System along with one of our own woodland friends, Pedal Rabbit. Pedal Rabbit is our character who helps to promote healthy choices and good hygiene in our toddlers and preschoolers. Pedal will aide in encouraging children to use the restroom and gain further independence. Pedal will provide your child with certificates, cards and encouragement as they experience the potty training process.
At AppleTree, we wish to work collaboratively with each family in order to provide each child with the fundamentals needed for potty training success. We encourage and invite parents to provide us with input as to when you feel your child is ready to begin our program.