Toddler
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Toddler Care & Curriculum
Toddlers need to feel safe and secure so they can develop a love for learning that will be an asset during school years and beyond. Relationships with caring adults give toddlers the confidence to experiment as they grow into people who are ready to meet the challenges of life. Well-qualified teachers provide safe, challenging and meaningful materials and experiences that support toddler development. When toddlers feel secure, they are going to thrive. They are going to experiment and take risks, start to build friendship with others and try new activities. Good teachers give toddlers the stimulation they need and at the same time, show them that the world is a safe and friendly place. TLC's staff provide many opportunities for toddlers to engage in activities alone, with a friend, or in a small group. They take the time to get to know each child individually, their characteristics and preferences. We believe it's important to offer simple choices and opportunities to practice taking turns and getting along with each other. Clear and consistent limits, as well as a predictable routine, are so important for toddlers. Toddlers may alternate between fits of frustration and pride in their discoveries. What may appear as misbehavior is usually a toddler struggling to understand what adults say they can or cannot do. This is why it is so important that our skilled toddler teachers model appropriate behavior and appropriate communication skills. We know that toddlers love to dump, throw, climb and run. TLC's teachers provide safe and developmentally appropriate activities both indoors and outdoors for this stage. We have soft blocks for building towers and then knocking them over, and plenty of safe toys for dumping. We have a large play yard filled with balls and climbing equipment and room to run and play imaginative games. Toddlers want to be independent but they still need to know that they are safe and taken care of. Toddlers need simple rules and sometimes, well most of the time, gentle reminders. In order to develop reading readiness skills, our classroom environment is literacy-rich and language centered. Children have ready access to books that they can explore with a friend, teacher, or on their own. Teachers engage in thoughtful conversations with the children, help children build their communication skills, and encourage important emergent writing activities like random and controlled scribbling. A structured activity that your child will experience daily is ABC Music & Me. This program is "a research-based language and early literacy program built around music. ABC Music & Me helps develop pre-literacy and language skills through a child’s most-loved rituals: music and storytime." |
Sue Rzeminski, Head Teacher Young Toddlers (Toddler 1) 
More than thirty years of experience and a CDA (Child Development Associate Credential) contribute to Sue Rzeminski’s success. Her knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and her patient, caring interactions with children create a thriving learning atmosphere. Dynamic lessons encourage the children to connect with the outdoors, fostering an appreciation for nature.
Abby March, Teaching Assistant Young Toddlers (Toddler 1)
Abby has worked at TLC since May of 2022. Working with children has always been a passion of Abby's. Before working at TLC she worked at Princeton Friends Summer Camp for five years. Abby attends school online at Grand Canyon University and is majoring in Early Childhood Education. Emma Johnson, Teacher, Older Toddlers (Toddler 2)
Emma began working at The Learning Center as a teaching assistant in late August of 2022. She has worked with kids of
all ages and was so excited when she found out she was offered the opportunity to work with the Toddler 2 classroom. Emma instantly became close with all the children, and always has a smile on her face. She is a much welcome addition to the TLC family! In her spare time, Emma enjoys spending time with friends and family, and traveling. She plans on continuing her education with the goal of one day becoming a head teacher. Jenniffer Quiroga, Teaching Assistant. Older Toddlers (Toddler 2)
Jenniffer arrived in the United States from Columbia 23 years ago. She joined TLC in January of 2022 as an assistant teacher in both the toddler 2 and preschool rooms. Although this is the first time she has worked in a childcare setting, she raised both of her sons, who are on the Autism spectrum, for over 16 years. She really enjoys being with the children, as she describes them as “so much fun and so loving.” Her patient and caring demeanor has made her a welcome addition to the preschool room!
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