Older Toddler

Age: About 2 to 3 years old
Classroom Size: 10

The older toddlers engage in activities that encourage imagination and creativity. Children in this room work with a more defined routine than younger children. Activities such as circle time are introduced. A more formalized learning process is taught along with plenty of time for free play and exploration.

The room is filled with age appropriate safe toys and is divided into activities such as reading, puzzles, and pretend play. This room is rigorously cleaned and disinfected to limit children’s exposure to germs.

Staff are carefully chosen for their ability to interact with children and nurture them. All staff members have been trained in 1st aid, infant CPR and fire safety. The staff to child ratio is 5 to 1, which is better than the state requirements.

Activities include:

• Circle Time
• Art Projects and crafts
• Reading
• Dress up and pretend play
• Special out of classroom classes: music, creative movement and cooking
• Outside play on playground if weather permits
• Gross and fine motor skill development
• More formalized learning of shapes, colors, counting and ABC’s
• Celebration of holidays
• Shabbat service

In this classroom, children are given a naptime after lunch. In addition, potty training is encouraged for children who are ready.

Children are moved up to the 3 year old room based on readiness, rather than age.

Parents are part of the decision making process and are kept informed about child’s daily activities. Parents are encouraged to drop in at any time, as the entire school has an open door policy.