Toddler Curriculum Fosters Exploration & Growth

Learning to walk alone, sorting shapes and colors and recognizing names of people and objects all sound like important development milestones, right?

They are, and these achievements all take place when your toddler is anywhere from 12 to 26 months old.  As your toddler is developing, it is essential they do so in an environment that encourages exploration and fosters growth.

We know that as the parent of a toddler, you want to do everything you can to ensure they are living out their full potential. Finding a school that has an established curriculum and a focus on realistic goals is one of the best things you can do for your toddler!

Why Is Toddler Curriculum Important?

Research shows that toddlers learn about the world through familiarity, predictability, and repetition.

The word ‘curriculum’ can have some connotations with stuffy academia, but what it simply means is that your child’s school or childcare facility follows a guided course of study.

Toddler curriculum is important because it gives your child structure throughout their day. Your toddler will need focus, attention and encouragement during this crucial stage of development. Utilizing a curriculum ensures your toddler is getting the guidance they need.

What Should I Look for in a Toddler Curriculum?

Ideally, the curriculum at the program or preschool you choose for your toddler should:

• Encourage individual growth. One of the principles of child development is the recognition that children grow and learn at their own pace. Some toddlers will reach milestones before others, and that is perfectly okay. The fact of the matter is that during the first three years of your toddler’s life, they will experience more growth and learning than any other stage of life.
• Regularly assess your toddler’s development with age-appropriate benchmarks. Consistent evaluation of your toddler’s skills will help your school communicate with you and set realistic goals. This sets your toddler up for success.
• Build trust and establish caring relationships. When your toddler establishes trust with their teacher, they are more likely to develop and try new things without fear of failure. Likewise, their teacher will have a better understanding of how to respond to their needs.
• Create a welcoming environment. Toddlers learn best when they can explore their environment. This environment can be both physical and emotional. At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool® we believe the environment of our facilities is the third teacher. We put thought and care into the design and setup of each classroom.
• Involve you, the parent. As a parent, you are one of the most significant people in your child’s life. Because of this, teachers should establish frequent communication with you. Little Sunshine’s Playhouse® teachers write Luv Notes™ for each student daily to let you know how your toddler is learning and growing!

Does Little Sunshine’s® Use a Toddler Curriculum?

We do! It’s never too early to start learning. Our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, Creatively Shine™ ensures your toddler is getting the nurturing, support, and care they need to set them up for success as they continue to grow.

To learn more about our toddler curriculum, contact Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool.