Toddler Program (19 to 4.5+yrs)

Children and parents are greeted when they arrive and spend the morning with a child care provider transitioning into the day. The program will follow a regular order in which children will be able to predict what comes next in the day. Play based experiences will be set up based upon observations of children’s interests. These experiences will build upon developmental domains such as cognitive, social, physical, creativity, language and emotional development. Plenty of time will be provided between each experience and scheduled routine so that more complex play and transitions can take place. Primary care providers will engage in reciprocal play to model appropriate play and interactions. The center will provide a wide variety of multicultural toys and dramatic play items such as dolls, puppets and a variety of dress up clothes. Art materials are provided for children to explore open ended creativity. Care providers will facilitate these experiences instead of instructing the child on how to accomplish it.

The daily schedule will provide numerous opportunities for language development through finger plays, songs, stories and rhymes. Exploratory play materials such as, water and sand table and play dough/modeling clay, paint and goop provide children with a sensory and manipulative experience. Displays of children’s art will be seen throughout the classroom and building.

All meals and snacks will be provided in a manner in which children can eat using fingers or utensils (depending on developmental readiness) and will follow the Canada Food Guide. Meals will be planned with input from the parents. Care providers will eat with the children to model appropriate behaviours and encourage social interactions at meal times. Older children will be encouraged to fill their own plates and cups and clear away their place when they are finished, building self esteem and accomplishment. An opportunity for children to join in meal preparation makes them more inclined to try new foods and enjoy their meals more, knowing they helped in the preparation.

As part of a healthy lifestyle we provide children with time to brush their teeth before rest time. Each child will have their own labelled brush and tooth paste and staff will assist children in this important daily routine encouraging healthy habits.

After lunch the lights will be dimmed and gentle music will be turned on to encourage a restful atmosphere. Children will each be provided with their own sleep cot and will have blankets or snugglies from home. Staff will lay with children who need support during this time and rub backs, hold hands, or just offer their support in their presence. Children who do not fall asleep will be offered quiet activities will other rest. This can include books, colouring, and puzzles or for older children, assisting staff in snack preparation or set up.

The outdoor play space is enclosed in a gated playground which provides numerous gross motor opportunities. There is a large jungle gym with slide, riding toys, hill for winter sliding, sand box. Play materials such as balls, hula hoops, nets and baskets, bean bags and parachutes will be available for endless opportunities.

Staff will use thoughtful planning to anticipate any situations that may lead to disruptive behaviours. These situations will be avoided by planning for enough toys, using smaller group sizes, and preparing children for new experiences. When child guidance is required, staff will speak calmly with the child or children at their level and explain what the concern is for the behaviour and what the consequences are for the action. When developmentally appropriate children will be able to facilitate their own problem solving and solutions. When the solution leaves everyone feeling loved, nurtured, and heard then the Cabin 4 Kids has accomplished its goals.