FULL-TIME
CHILD CARE
Toddlers....
As infants develop into toddlers, they have an inner sense toward developing themselves and mastering their environment. In the "big world" this can cause a lot of frustration for them and their caregivers. I've tried to create an environment that is safe but gives them many opportunities to engage in "meaningful work" and have a sense of pride in their daily tasks.
Toddlers learn through play, imitation, and repetition. Throughout the day, they are involved in free play, dramatic play where they can "practice" the daily activities they see (like caring for babies or serving food), and given practical life activities where they can master things like sweeping and polishing.
Puzzles, books, movement songs, and matching games all add to their learning in a playful, age-appropriate way.
Day in the life....
Each day we follow a similar routine.
Arrival and Greetings
Free Play
Breakfast (8:45a)
(Infants: morning nap after feeding)
Structured Choice Time
Opportunities for art, dramatic play, tray activities
Outside Time
Lunch (11a)
Music and Movement
Nap Time (noon-2)
Snack Time (3:30p)
Free Play and Outdoor Time
Having multiple play areas in our large home helps keep things exciting for the children. It also offers chances to practice transitions and cleaning up.
We keep so busy, there is no time for "screen time".
Daily Activities
We have multiple play areas throughout the home and outdoors to keep little ones busy and challenged.
Although I rotate toys and activities, we regularly explore dramatic play themes (kitchen, grocery store, baby care), building (blocks, duplos), free art opportunities, books, puzzles, songs, cars, dolls, trains and many other toys.
Play is important in the early years and I watch to find ways to help them learn while still letting their play be child-led. I emphasize conflict resolution and social skills as well as talking about colors, shapes, ABCs and 123s. We do art and sensory play as well.
Outdoor Time
We play outside daily. Sometimes the children get a little messy. We often combine art with our outdoor time.
Meals and Snacks
I provide all meals and snacks. I model my menu pattern from the federal Food Program standards. I typically provide organic food that is minimally processed and nourishing. If the food is not organic, I choose brands that are GMO free, grass-fed, antibiotic free, and low in sugar.
Meal times are a good chance to practice social skills, waiting, and sign language. We have a routine of eating food at a table as a group. Toddlers love being able to help set the table and clean up afterwards.
Diapers and Toileting
I have a lot of experience cloth diapering and encourage parents to use them. Especially in the first months before babies start solid food. They can save a lot of money.
Each family needs to supply their own diapers weekly. I supply wipes but if a baby has a sensitivity then parents must supply another brand.
I take a relaxed attitude towards toilet training. Please realize that this process should be your child's accomplishment and NOT yours or mine. Children should not and will not be compared to how others are doing.
I will assist in toilet training with the understanding that it will only work if we work together. Your child will not learn if the learning process is not consistent while in my care and at home. Clothing should be easy to manage to encourage self-help skills. When learning to use the toilet our rules are: NO overalls, onesies, belts, buckles, buttons, snaps, suspenders, skirts/dresses or tights as these will create a problem when a child is in a hurry to use the bathroom. Extra clothing is REQUIRED. All children NOT 100% potty trained are required to wear diapers or pull ups when in my care. Underwear can be worn at home for those children who are in the process of potty training. To transition from wearing diapers/pull ups to wearing underwear, your child MUST be accident free for 30 consecutive days in care. (Please note most calendar months only have about 20 care days so you are looking at about 1.5 months total before your child will be allowed to wear underwear. We can discuss wearing cloth trainers instead of pull-ups but the policy is in place to keep floors as clean as possible for crawling infants, so there must be a waterproof barrier.