Twos Program

Overview

Children officially begin following our preschool schedule and curriculum when they enter the two year class. We place emphasis on gaining independence, potty training and building the necessary foundation for learning the pre-writing and pre-math skills they will develop in the three year old class. Children will have usually turned two before entering the program although some may turn two shortly after starting.

Program

Independence and Self-Help Skills

The main goal of our two year old program is to support children in their natural desire to gain independence. The teachers and environment encourage children to interact with everything from cubbies to the toilet. Even sinks are placed at a height that is reachable to most two year old children. We encourage them to start doing things for themselves, including washing their hands, putting things away and taking things out.

Potty Training

The majority of children will become potty trained in this classroom. We work with you as a team to encourage potty training and make the experience fun and rewarding. We find many children become excited to start using the potty when they see their friends using it too. Every milestone along the way is a chance for a celebration. We may give stickers or small rewards when a child has used the potty or when they can come to school in “big kid underwear”. Although this can be challenging time for some children, we do our best to make it as fun as possible.

Academics

The two year old classroom is a flurry of activity. Below is a sample of the types of activities children may experience throughout the day:

Fine motor skills are further developed by using scissors, glue, paint and markers.
Gross motor skills are improved by using trikes, parachutes, and merry-go-round on our playground.
Letter and number recognition is learned as well as sorting items based on color, shape and other characteristics.

Two year olds also participate in our formal specialty classes:

Gym
Spanish
Music

Field Trips

Two year old's also start participating in monthly field trips to places like the Natural History Museum, Cox Farm and local Playgrounds. For a full list of places we enjoy visiting, consult our field trips page.

Daily Schedule

A typical school day in the life of a two year old:

6:45am - 9:00am	Drop-off	3:00pm - 3:30pm	Afternoon Snack
8:30am - 9:00am	Breakfast	3:30pm - 4:00pm	Recess
9:00am - 11:00am	Morning Activities	4:00pm - 6:15pm	Classroom Activities
10:00am - 10:30am	Recess	5:00pm - 5:15pm	Evening Snack
11:30am - 12:00pm	Lunch	3:00pm - 6:15pm	Pick-Up
12:30pm - 3:00pm	Nap Time

Communication

We recognize the great trust it requires to place your child in the care of another person. To help provide your family the best possible experience:

A Family Care Representative is assigned to your family to provide support and information as your child progresses through their time at First Steps Academy.
Daily Reports, generated by the teacher, are sent home each day informing you of foods eaten, diaper changes, naps taken, medication administered, activities performed, and any other information you request, so you can know all the details of your child's day.
Classrooms have been equipped with telephones allowing you to connect directly with your teacher.
Medical issues and significant changes in mood are responded to with prompt phone calls to you, so you can make a decision based on the most immediate information available.
Parent teacher conferences are organized twice a year or at your request.
Schedules have been arranged to give you a better chance of seeing your teacher or assistant teacher each morning or afternoon.

Teacher Qualifications

There is a lead-qualified teacher in each of our classrooms. These teachers have either a bachelor's degree in a child related field, a CDA or equivalent certification.
Each lead teacher is supported by an assistant teacher who helps provide care and instruction throughout the day.
Teachers at First Steps Academy have a special blend of attention to detail and love of children.
And finally, we select teachers that can provide our own children with love and inspiration as well as safe and creative environments.

I am not a teacher, but an awakener.

Poet, Robert Frost