Toddler
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Olivia Eldridge, Head Teacher, Young Toddlers
Olivia Eldridge joined TLC in August of 2018. She is currently in her third year at Mercer Community College studying Early Childhood Education. She has been working in childcare settings since 2013, as a Pre-K Assistant Teacher, Preschool Lead Teacher as well as a full-time and part- time nanny for two different families. Olivia’s enthusiasm for teaching and her fun-loving, warm approach is a welcomed addition to the TLC family. |
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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." |
Mila White, Assistant Teacher
Young Toddlers 
Mila joined TLC in October of 2017. She has spent time in several of our classrooms, so all of the children know her. She started full time in the Toddler 1 room in January of 2020. Mila’s fun, caring demeanor is a great match for our young Toddlers! In her spare time, Mila enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Kelly Blake, Assistant Teacher, Older Toddlers
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