Toddler Program Overview

Welcome to the toddler room. We accept children from 25 months to 3 years of age. Our toddler program is a fun and loving learning environment. Each child is encouraged to learn using themes and hands on experiences. The program includes circle time, stories, music, movement and open-ended art activities. The children are also encouraged to develop self-help skills.

You will need to bring the following:

• A lunch, that needs to be in a lunch box will an ice-pack to keep everything cool

• Diapers and wipes

• Diaper cream

• A full change of clothes

• A sippy cup

• A blanket, sheet and if you would like a pillow. Sleep items must be in a seal able bag, such as a duff le bag or backpack or the large zip lock bag
  

YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DAY

At Playtime Learning Center the staff understands how emotional the first day at a new center can be for both you and your child. It is our hope that through the following information and good communication, that the staff will help you arid your child ease into this transition. As always, please see Miss. Debi with any problems or concerns.

Tips

• Before your child starts we suggest you schedule a time in which your child can visit the center with you. We believe this works best so there are no surprises on the first day.

• Talk to your child about why they need to come to the center. Make sure they understand that you’re not just leaving them. Explain to them the best way you feel they can understand. You know your child best.

• Make sure all your paper work for the center is completed ahead of time.

• If you think your child may need to bring something special from home (a blanket, toy, etc.) please feel free to bring it in. Sometimes it helps to bring a small photo album or picture of a loved one that they can keep with them.

• Include your child in as much as the preparation for the first day as possible. Let them help pack their lunch, their bag and pick out their clothes to wear. Please label EVERYTHING.

• On the first day try to be a little ahead of schedule so you have time to get your child settled.

• If there is anything you feel the staff should know, write it down before the first day.

• When you come into the center, you and your child will be immediately welcomed. At this time the staff person will show you where your child’s things should go. Give the staff person any additional information at this time. After a few minutes let your child know that you have to go and you will be coming back. It’s good to give them an idea of when you will be back. An example would be I’ll be back after nap time”. It is best for everyone that you say good-bye, give one more hug and kiss and leave. It only makes it worse if you linger. If your child cries let the staff comfort them and you should go. Please do not hang around outside where they can see you, it just makes it harder on them. In most cases the children stop crying after the staff holds and comforts them.

• Please feel free to call the center (570-992-3935) to check on your child.

• It could take a few days to a few weeks for them to adjust. Every child is different.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please just ask.

THE TODDLER ROOM DAILY SCHEDULE

6:00-7:30 Breakfast/ free play

7:30-9:00 Free play

9:00-9:30 Diapers/potty time

9:30-9:45 Snack

9:45-10:00 Circle time

10:00-10: 30 Free play/project

10:30-11:00 Music 6 movement

11:00-11:15 Story time

11:15-11:30 Prepare for lunch (wash hands)

11:30-12:30 Lunch

12:30-1:00 dDiapers/potty

1:00-3:00 Nap/quiet time

3:00-3:30 Diapers/potty

3:30-4:00 Snack

4:00-5:00 Free play/music/afternoon activity

5:00-5:30 Clean up

5:30-6:00 Table time

This schedule may change to meet the needs of the children. Free play will be outside weather permitting.

Parents

Our school year is all ready to start and we have a few reminders:

• For your child to benefit from the program you must have them here no later than 9:15am. If you bring your child after 9:30 they will miss out on the entire curriculum.

• Breakfast will be over at 7:30 due to the buses. If you bring your child after 7:30 please make sure they have had breakfast at home.

• Please make sure your child has a change of clothes to leave at the center. As the weather changes please change the clothes.

• We will heat up your child’s lunch but it must be in a microwave safe bowl.

• Label everything your child brings, especially coats and sweaters.

• We will be closed the following Holidays:

  • Labor Day

  • Thanksgiving

  • Day after Thanksgiving

  • Christmas Eve

  • Christmas Day

  • New Year’s Eve

  • New Year’s Day

  • Good Friday

  • Memorial Day

• Please remember that tuition is due regardless of your child’s attendance and holidays and weather closings.

• If the weather is bad please call the center before you come in. We follow Pleasant Valley DELAY OPENINGS ONLY!!!! You must call the center for our closings. There will be a message on the answering machine by 5:40am. If we will be closed. If the center closes early due to weather or any emergency it is YOUR responsibility to either pick up your child or have an emergency contact person who can pick up your child.

• Please make sure that your emergency contact is updated if any information has changed. We need to be able to get in touch with you at all times while your child is in our care. I cannot stress enough how important it is that we be able to reach you in an emergency.

• As always, if you have any questions please see Miss Debi. We hope everyone has a great school year.