Toddlers

Toddlers at WMU Children's Place

The partnership between WMU Children's Place and the WMU College of Education provides unique opportunities for our youngest children. The toddler program recognizes that toddlers are uniquely different from preschool children and emphasizes the provision of developmentally appropriate activities to support cognitive, social, physical and emotional development. Low adult:child ratios and supportive interactions between staff and children further insures the delivery of high quality services.

Early Childhood faculty from the College of Education work closely with student interns to assist them in developing skills in integrating curriculum and interacting with toddlers. Faculty can also serve as resources for Children's Place staff and parents.

Daily schedule

7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.	Welcome, breakfast, Learning Centers
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.	Snack
9:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.	Art, sensory, outdoor play, Learning Centers
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	Song time, lunch, circle time
12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.	Rest Time
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.	Learning Centers, snack, outdoor play
5:30 p.m.	Center closes

Curriculum

The toddler curriculum is based in The Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers. Weekly classroom activities are planned in areas of art, songs, stories, dramatic play, sensory and motor skills. Additionally, teachers create individualized lesson plans for each child based on the individual child's development and needs. View The Creative Curriculum® Goals and Objectives at a Glance

Daily reports

To keep you informed on your toddler's day, our staff provides you with a daily report of your child's activities. This report will include your child's diaper changes, meals, naps and other activities for the day. Parents will also receive a bi-weekly newsletter with toddler information.

Primary care giver

You and your toddler will be assigned a primary care giver. This primary care giver forms a caring, nurturing and responsive relationship with your child and provides continuity of care. In the classroom, this person will be the "expert" on your child and will keep abreast of all pertinent information about your child's day and developmental needs.

Toilet training

Toilet training is a major event in the life of a toddler. Our teachers will work with you in toilet training your toddler. We encourage open communication between teachers and parents in methods used for toilet training. For health and sanitation reasons, we do not use potty chairs. Our teachers will help your child feel comfortable on the toilet.