Toddler / Twos Program

Big Curiosity. Bigger Growth. Every Single Day.

Toddlers are explorers by nature. Our Toddler and Twos program channels that boundless energy into purposeful play, language explosion, and the confident independence every child craves.

Ages 12 Months – 3 Years 1:6 Teacher Ratio (Toddler) 1:9 Teacher Ratio (Twos) Language-Rich Environment

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Program Overview

The World Is Their Classroom

From first words to first friendships, the toddler years are a whirlwind of development. We provide the structure, safety, and stimulation to make the most of it.

"When a toddler figures out how a puzzle piece fits, that look of pride — that's the whole job. We set the stage for a thousand of those moments a day."

— Toddler Lead Teacher, Dixon Academy Concord

Active Learning for Active Learners

Toddlers learn by doing — climbing, sorting, pouring, stacking, and talking (a lot). Our classrooms are thoughtfully arranged into interest areas: blocks, dramatic play, sensory, books, and art — each one an invitation to explore.

Our teachers are trained in the ITERS-R and ECERS-R environment rating scales, ensuring our learning spaces consistently meet gold-standard benchmarks for toddler and two-year-old care.

Supporting Every Stage of the Toddler Journey

Positive guidance approach — we redirect, validate emotions, and build self-regulation instead of punitive discipline.
Toilet learning support — we partner with families to support readiness-based potty training with patience and consistency.
Daily outdoor time — at least 60 minutes of outdoor gross motor play, weather permitting, every single day.
Language & literacy focus — vocabulary-building conversations, interactive book reading, and music every day to support the language explosion of this age.
Smooth transitions — consistent routines and visual schedules help toddlers feel secure, reducing anxiety and building confidence in transitions.

Curriculum Focus

Play-Based Learning with Purpose

Every activity in our toddler room is intentionally designed to support development across multiple domains simultaneously.

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Dramatic Play

Kitchen sets, dress-up, and pretend scenarios build imaginative thinking, vocabulary, social skills, and the critical capacity for symbolic thought.

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Block Building & STEM Foundations

Building, knocking down, and rebuilding teaches spatial reasoning, cause and effect, balance, and early math concepts — all while developing fine and gross motor skills that matter for writing readiness.

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Outdoor Exploration

Sand, water, gardens, and open space give toddlers the sensory input and gross motor challenges their developing bodies need every day.

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Art & Sensory

Process-focused art — finger painting, collage, playdough — builds creativity, fine motor control, and the joy of making something with your own two hands.

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Story Time & Literacy

Interactive read-alouds, flannel board stories, and print-rich environments build the phonological awareness and vocabulary that are the strongest predictors of reading success.

Peer Learning

Learning to Navigate the World Together

The toddler years mark the beginning of real peer relationships — and the beginning of learning to share, wait, and cooperate. Our teachers skillfully facilitate these natural social moments, turning conflicts into coaching opportunities.

Small group sizes ensure every child gets individualized attention and support while building the social skills they'll rely on throughout their entire education and beyond.

Schedule a Visit

Sample Daily Schedule

Predictable Rhythms That Build Confidence

Toddlers thrive on routine. Our consistent daily schedule helps children anticipate what's next, reducing anxiety and building trust.

7:00 – 9:00 AM

Arrival & Morning Choice Time — Greetings, free exploration of interest areas, morning music.

9:00 – 9:30 AM

Morning Meeting & Snack — Circle time with songs, movement, calendar, weather. Healthy morning snack.

9:30 – 11:00 AM

Learning Centers — Teacher-facilitated small group activities: art, blocks, sensory, dramatic play, books. Skill-building in all developmental domains.

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Outdoor Play & Lunch — Active outdoor time, gross motor development. Family-style lunch together.

12:30 – 3:00 PM

Rest Time — Nap / quiet rest on individual cots. Soft music, cozy environment.

3:00 – 6:00 PM

Afternoon Activities & Dismissal — Afternoon snack, story time, outdoor play, free exploration. Warm pick-up with daily verbal and written report.