Children’s Center

Toddler Center

The Toddler Center follows a primary caregiving staffing plan where each caregivers is responsible for 3-4 specific children. The primary caregiver is the person who is mainly responsible for the child, builds a relationship with the child's family, and most often carries out day to day routines with the child.

The Younger Toddler Classroom

Children in the classroom

With primary care, the program is structured so that the toddlers know that someone who understands them well is emotionally available for comfort and nurturance.

The Younger Toddler Facility serves children ages 12 to 18 months in a group of 6 to 8 children. The staffing is provided by one credential teacher and part-time assistant teacher. A ratio of one teacher to three or four children is maintained at all times.

The Middle Toddler Group

Child plays drum set

The Middle Toddler group serves children 18 to 24 months in a group of 12 children. One credentialed teacher and additional assistant teachers provide the staffing for this group with a ratio of one adult to four children.

Our Toddler Center provides care in small groups as the size of the group influences the quality of the toddler's experience in numerous ways. In a small group there are fewer distractions and the children's activities are more focused. It is easy for children to be heard and understood. Toddlers are better able to develop a strong relationship with their primary caregiver, and the caregiver has the flexibility to manage the needs of the children.

The Older Toddler Classroom

Child plays with toys

The older Toddler classroom serves children 24 through 36 months. A credentialed teacher and assistants provide the staffing, maintaining an adult to child ratio of 1:4.

Children and staff from the Younger Toddler group move to the Older Toddler class the following year. Once a primary care relationship is established for a toddler, our policy of continuity of care ensures keeping a small group of toddlers and caregivers together throughout the two years of the toddler period. This policy prevents the child from repeatedly experiencing the loss of a special caregiver.  An additional benefit of continuity is that the children develop strong friendships with each other.