Toddler Program for Ages 1-2
Toddlers grow fast. One day your child wants to be held for everything, and the next day they are determined to do it themselves. Ages 1 and 2 are full of big emotions, rapid learning, and brand-new skills showing up almost overnight.
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Our Toddler Program is designed to meet your child right where they are. We focus on loving care, clear routines, and play-based learning that supports early development without pushing toddlers to grow up too quickly. Most of all, we work to build social-emotional confidence through gentle routines so your child can feel safe, connected, and ready to explore.
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What matters most at this age
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At 1 and 2, toddlers learn through repetition, movement, and relationships. They need adults who are steady, patient, and present. They also need a day that makes sense to them, with familiar transitions and predictable expectations.
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That is why our classroom approach prioritizes:
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Warm connections with teachers
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A calm rhythm toddlers can count on
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Simple learning moments built into play
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Gentle guidance for behavior and emotions
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Safety, cleanliness, and attentive supervision
A calm, predictable environment
When toddlers know what comes next, many challenging moments get easier. A consistent environment can reduce frustration, support separation at drop-off, and help toddlers settle into the day more smoothly.
We use clear, age-appropriate language and steady routines so toddlers learn what to do next. Over time, many children become more comfortable with transitions and more confident in the classroom.
What a Typical Toddler Day Can Feel Like
A toddler day should feel structured, but not rigid. It should feel calm, but not boring. It should include movement, communication, and plenty of hands-on exploration.
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While specific timing can vary by classroom and day, many parents appreciate that the toddler experience often includes a steady pattern:
Arrival and settling in
This is when toddlers re-orient, connect with teachers, and start to feel safe for the day. We focus on gentle entry routines and early engagement through play.
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Play-based learning blocks
Toddlers learn best when learning feels like play. Teachers create opportunities for language, problem-solving, and early social practice through hands-on activities.
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Meals, rest, and reset moments
Toddlers need downtime and re-set moments throughout the day. We support children with calm transitions, quiet moments, and routines that help them regulate.
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Outdoor time and movement
Movement supports everything at this age, including mood, sleep, and learning. When toddlers move their bodies, they often handle transitions and emotions better.
Safety, Structure, and Gentle Routines
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As a parent, you are not just choosing activities. You are choosing the people and environment your child will spend their day with.
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We take that responsibility seriously.
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Clean spaces and thoughtful supervision
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Toddlers explore everything. They touch, taste, climb, and test boundaries. Our classrooms are set up to support safe exploration with careful supervision and a focus on cleanliness.
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If you would like to learn more about how we approach safe, mindful environments, you can also explore our commitment to clean learning spaces here: Chemical-Free Schools
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Consistent transitions that reduce big feelings
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Transitions can be hard at this age. Toddlers often struggle with stopping one activity and moving to the next. Instead of rushing, we guide children through transitions with calm direction, familiar cues, and gentle repetition.
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This is one of the ways we support social-emotional confidence through gentle routines, helping toddlers feel secure rather than overwhelmed.
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Helping toddlers feel secure, one step at a time
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Some toddlers jump in quickly. Others need time. We support children as they adjust to school, including during drop-off and separation.
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We do not promise instant comfort because every child is different. But we do create an environment where toddlers are supported, redirected with kindness, and helped to re-engage.
Learning Through Play (Because Toddlers Learn With Their Whole Body)
In the toddler years, play is not extra. It is the method.
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Play supports brain development, language growth, motor skills, curiosity, and social learning. Our teachers use play intentionally while keeping it age-appropriate and child-centered.
Early language and communication
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Toddlers are learning words quickly. Teachers support language growth through conversation, naming objects, reading, songs, and simple back-and-forth communication.
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We also support communication beyond words by helping toddlers:
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use gestures
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express needs more clearly
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practice simple choices
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learn calm alternatives to crying or grabbing
Sensory play and discovery
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Sensory play helps toddlers explore safely and supports brain development. It can also help toddlers regulate emotions, especially when they feel overstimulated or frustrated.
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Fine-motor and “I can do it” skills
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Toddlers begin to build the foundation for later preschool skills through hands-on play. Things like grasping, stacking, scooping, and simple art experiences support coordination and early control.
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Social-emotional confidence and gentle routines (page theme)
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This is the heart of the toddler classroom. When toddlers feel secure, they can try new things. When they know what to expect, they can handle transitions. When they feel understood, they can begin learning how to express emotions in healthier ways.
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We support toddlers with:
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predictable routines
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calm redirection
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consistent expectations
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encouragement for small wins
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gentle practice with “waiting,” “sharing,” and “taking turns”
Christian Character Basics in Everyday Moments
Great Beginnings is a Christian preschool and childcare community. In the toddler years, faith is not taught like a lesson plan. It is modeled through tone, kindness, and the way adults respond to children.
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Kindness, gratitude, and respect
Toddlers learn character from what they experience. Teachers model gentle words, kind hands, and respectful guidance.
We may reinforce values like:
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being kind to friends
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using gentle hands
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showing gratitude
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practicing patience in small moments
Prayerful tone, gentle words, and modeling
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Our Christian environment is reflected in the way we care for children and the way we guide behavior. It should feel warm, sincere, and consistent with the values many families are teaching at home.
Milestones We Support in Ages 1-2
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Every child develops at their own pace. We do not treat milestones like a checklist that must be completed on schedule. Instead, we create daily opportunities that support growth in a healthy, age-appropriate way.
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Building independence in small, safe ways
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Toddlers love the phrase “I do it.” We support early independence through simple routines and teacher-guided practice.
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That might look like:
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learning where items go
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helping with simple clean-up
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trying new skills with support
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practicing transitions with less frustration over time
Sharing, patience, and kind hands
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Toddlers are not naturally wired to share, and that is normal. We coach toddlers through early social moments with simple language, calm repetition, and clear guidance.
We focus on teaching what to do next, not just what to stop doing.
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Following simple directions
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Toddlers can begin learning simple group expectations when taught in a supportive way. Short directions, consistent routines, and patient guidance can help children feel successful rather than corrected.
Teachers Who Understand Toddlers
Toddlers are wonderful, and they are intense. A great toddler teacher brings calm energy, patience, and consistency.
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Warm guidance, clear expectations
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Toddlers do best when adults are kind and steady. Our approach focuses on:
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age-appropriate expectations
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calm redirection
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consistent routines
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helping toddlers re-engage after big emotions
Communication with families that feels human
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Parents want real communication. While we never promise constant updates, we aim to communicate in a helpful way that supports trust and clarity.
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If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we value as a school, you can also visit: About Us
Choosing the Best Campus for Your Family
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This toddler program page is designed for all campuses. The best way to choose a location is to tour, ask questions, and get a feel for the classroom environment.
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You can explore each campus preschool page here:
You can also browse program overviews by campus here:
And for a full overview of all programs, visit: Programs
Ready to Visit? Schedule a Tour
The best way to know if a toddler program is right for your child is to see it in person. When you tour, you can observe the classroom rhythm, the teacher tone, and how toddlers are guided through the day.
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To schedule, use the Schedule Tour button on our website to choose a day and time that works for you.
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If your child is approaching the next stage, you may also want to explore:
Toddler Program Questions Parents Ask Most
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What ages are included in the Toddler Program?
Our Toddler Program is designed for children ages 1 to 2.
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What does a toddler day focus on?
Play-based learning, consistent routines, early language, movement, and social-emotional growth.
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How do you guide toddler behavior?
With calm consistency and age-appropriate expectations. We focus on teaching what to do next, not just what to stop doing.
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How do you help toddlers adjust to drop-off?
Teachers use gentle routines, reassurance, and engaging activities to support a smooth transition.
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Is this a Christian toddler program?
Yes. Faith is modeled through kindness, respectful guidance, and simple character basics that toddlers can begin practicing.
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Can I tour the toddler classroom?
Yes. Use the Schedule Tour button to pick a day and time.
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