Toddler/Twos Program
Toddlers want independence as they are now walking and beginning to talk. Our toddler program allows children the freedom to attempt new experiences through the use of carefully selected materials and equipment. The toddlers and two year olds will gain confidence in knowing what will come next through a flexible yet structured schedule which will include time for self-exploration and group experiences.
One Hope United provides such an enriched environment that I could not provide at home.
Social-Emotional Development
Toddlers develop feelings of independence as they learn to do things for themselves and use language to express themselves. Giving opportunities to make choices, helping children label things and feelings, and giving comfort when children become frustrated are fundamental to the daily routine. Social learning includes being kind to friends, playing side-by-side, turn-taking and simple role-playing.
Intellectual Development
Toddlers learn through manipulating objects and opportunities to find out how things work. They are provided materials for building, for putting together and taking apart and for exploring. The role of educarers is to ask and answer questions, to acknowledge learning, to model language and to provide appropriate materials to foster curiosity.
Physical Development
Toddler activities encourage children to develop strength, balance and coordination as they practice jumping and running, as well as more controlled activities like moving to music. Small muscles develop through activities such as playing with playdough, interlocking blocks and coloring with crayons. Children gain independence through self-help skills such as using the toilet, washing hands, using a spoon and fork, and dressing and undressing themselves, with the assistance of teachers as necessary.
Moral Development and Guidance
Infants and toddlers rely totally on educarer reaction to their behaviors to determine right behaviors from wrong. They have not yet developed internal controls. Educarer guidance that is consistent, firm and lovingly applied is what these very young children depend on to learn fundamental ways of relating to others.