The Toddler Program is designed to meet the developmental needs of children 15 to 36 months. The environment invites free-play, exploration and movement. Stimulating experiences are guided and encouraged by loving, responsive professionals who respect each child’s individuality. Each day toddlers engage in activities that address the intertwined areas of development - cognitive, social, emotional and physical - to include music, literature, family style dining at snack times, creative art, dramatic play, block play, outdoor play, and rest time.

The Family Tree staff are supportive of Toddlers as they acquire new skills. They recognize that Toddlers have limited language with which to communicate their needs, therefore, staff are skilled at providing the necessary support to help the Toddler accomplish the task, allowing children to do what they are capable of and assisting with the tasks that are frustrating.  Adults simplify their language for young Toddlers and as children acquire their own words, adults expand on the Toddler’s language.  The Family Tree staff  are trained and knowledgeable of Toddler development and respect the Toddler’s emerging sense of self as a separate, autonomous individual.

The staff use the routine tasks of living, such as eating, toilet training, and dressing, as important opportunities to help children learn about their world and to regulate their own behavior.  As the Toddler becomes more independent, emphasis on self help skills are an integral part of the curricular activity. The ability to dress, feed one’s self, independent toileting, and social behaviors are nurtured through dramatic play, family style dining, and teacher and peer role modeling. Adults model the types of interactions with others they want the children to develop.  Imitation and identification with people who enjoy young children contributes to the quality of the young child’s experiences.

The play areas are designed for solitary and parallel play, providing many opportunities for active, large muscle play, both indoors and outdoors. The environment includes equipment that is the correct size for Toddlers to practice newly acquired skills. Toys and equipment are carefully selected to promote individual development, and materials are stored at levels easily accessible to the Toddlers to allow for personal selection and interests. Teachers prepare the environment to allow for predictability and repetition, as well as events that can be expected and anticipated.