Our toddler program builds upon the foundation that was set in our infant program. We continue to foster the development of our children’s physical development, social and emotional health, language and communication, as well as cognitive development. We continue to use the Ages & Stages Questionnaires and the CDC Developmental Checklists to learn about your child’s strengths or areas where they need additional support, teaching or practice.
The milestone that marks the transition from our infant program to our toddler program is the ability to walk independently. This signifies the need for additional stimulation and gross motor skill development. Our young toddlers are excited to discover new ways to move their bodies such as; crawling under the tunnel, dancing and singing during circle time; climbing, riding, running, tossing, catching, and throwing on the playground.
Our teachers use the FunnyDaffer curriculum and the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards to develop weekly lesson plans. It is important for lesson plans to establish routines because toddlers find comfort in predicting what comes next in their day. This sense of security allows them to be more inquisitive about their world. As a result, these youngsters use trial and error to demonstrate more complex responses to people and objects.
The Discovery Tree Academy® teachers continue to “Build the Foundation” for future success by gathering work samples and assessments into portfolios that document your child’s growth and development. Portfolios also contain observations and planning notes that the teachers use to design lessons to meet the individual needs of the children in our toddler program. Portfolios are shared twice a year in formal family-teacher conferences.
In our classrooms you will find a print rich-environment which includes labels on shelves, creative displays using your child’s name, books to explore, and vocabulary words posted. In addition, children will interact with each other in our discovery centers which include blocks, house-keeping, dramatic play, and creation station.
The partnership between Discovery Tree Academy teachers and our families is crucial to ensuring your child has a positive experience in school. Open and continuous communication is an extremely important practice for our teachers. We use Procare Connect to provide you with detailed information about your toddler’s day, including photos of them enjoying their day, the need for extra supplies and most importantly, how you can reinforce their learning at home.
We encourage and invite you to visit anytime; come see what your child is discovering today!
