Discoverers

18 – 24 months

At this age, children are making strides verbally and socially. They begin to test their independence, influence and control. Our program allows them to explore, engage and enjoy the independence they crave. We provide nurture and guidance with age appropriate activities to improve coordination, increase verbal skills, and problem solve. In addition, our classroom introduces children to dramatic play, creative arts, language development, and sensory exploration. We also focus on the development of self-confidence, self-esteem, and a love of learning. We give our children plenty of opportunity to explore and play in a safe, secure, yet stimulating environment. Our weekly lesson plans encourages participation and fun. In addition, our teachers get to know each child to learn his or her strengths and needs. They use this knowledge to choose the age-appropriate, engaging, activities and experiences that will start toddlers on the path to lifelong learning. A daily report is given to update you on curriculum, meal time, nap time, toilet training, and other daily activities. Our goal is to give your toddler a balance of nurture, play, and learning throughout their day.

Our toddler curriculum includes:

• Our Creative Curriculum toddler program is our foundation for our classroom environment and lesson plan activities. The interactive learning games successfully promote early childhood learning through play and intentional teaching moments through daily activities.
• Our baby sign language program, where teachers encourage building the children’s vocabulary while using their sign language skills.
• At this stage we also begin to incorporate our bible curriculum The Gospel Project with interactive Worship songs, weekly bible stories, and hands-on activities.

Below are some of the basic milestones we look for, in addition to specific academic and developmental achievements:

Movement

• Begins to run stiffly (16-18 mo.) Walks into ball (18-24 mo.)
• Climbs onto and down from furniture unsupported (16-24 mo.)
• Walks up and down stairs holding on to support (18-24 mo.)

Hand and Finger Skills

• Scribbles spontaneously (14-16 mo.)
• Turns over container to pour out contents (12-18 mo.)
• Building tower of four blocks or more (20-24 mo.)

Language

• Points to object or picture when it is named for him (18-24 mo.)
• Recognizes names of people/objects/body parts (18-24 mo.)
• Says several single words (15-18 mo.)
• Uses two word sentences (18-24 mo.)
• Follows simple one-step instructions (14-18 mo.)
• Repeats words overheard in conversations (16-18 mo.)

Cognitive

• Begins to sort shapes and colors (20-24 mo.)
• Begins make-believe play (20-24 mo.)
• Imitates behavior of others (18-24 mo.)
• Increasingly enthusiastic about other children (20-24 mo.)
• Demonstrates increasing independence (18-24 mo.)
• Begins to show defiant behavior (18-24 mo.)