Overview
Our two-year-old program is strategically designed to nurture curious minds and active bodies. During this period of peak early development, we understand that two-year-olds need secure environments and stimulating experiences. In small classroom settings, our skilled teachers enrich your child’s day with engaging activities, including arts and crafts, imaginative play, language, rhyming and counting. Children enjoy working independently and cooperatively to build the confidence and social skills necessary to succeed in preschool and beyond.
Children begin following a preschool-style schedule and curriculum when they enter our two-year-old class. We emphasize independent thinking and academic foundations necessary to succeed in our three-year-old class, along with potty training skills if needed. Most children have already turned two upon entering the program, although some may turn two shortly after starting.
Academics
In our two-year-old classroom, learning opportunities abound. 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; and
- Teachers guide letter and number recognition, and help students sort items by color, shape and other characteristics.
Twos participate in our formal specialty classes, including gym, music, Spanish and values (focusing on our value of the month). They also begin attending monthly field trips to places like the Natural History Museum, Cox Farm and local playgrounds.
Independence & Self-Help
Our main goal is to support two-year-olds in their natural quest to gain independence. Our teachers encourage children to take initiative and feel comfortable in a welcoming group environment. Classrooms are designed with your child’s age in mind, from carefully curated decorations to accessible sinks. We nurture self-help skills, including hand washing, playtime and cleanup.
Potty Training
The majority of children will become potty trained in this classroom. We partner with you to encourage potty training and make the experience a positive one. We find many children become motivated 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”.
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:
- Teachers use the Tadpoles App as the primary method of communication to keep you informed on the important details of your child’s day;
- All classrooms are equipped with phones, and parents are encouraged to check in any time they need; and
- Teachers will notify you of any health issues or significant changes in your child’s mood or behavior, so that you can plan appropriately.
Teacher Qualifications
There is a lead-qualified teacher in every classroom. These instructors have either a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, a Child Development Associate’s degree or an equivalent certification. Each lead teacher is supported by an assistant who helps provide care and instruction throughout the day. We select teachers capable of establishing a safe, creative and inspiring learning environment for every student.
Food Service
We offer healthy menus and can make adjustments at your request. Served between 8:30 and 9am, breakfast consists of prepackaged items featuring at least two major food groups. Students eat lunch during a half hour period between 11:30 and 12:30pm. Our caterer, Schoolhouse Grill, crafts hot meals that are balanced according to the food pyramid. At 3pm, students are served a snack consisting of at least two major food groups. At 5pm, remaining students are served an additional light snack that will sustain them until dinner. First Steps Academy is accustomed to serving students on a strict diet. Please let us know how we can help accommodate your child’s unique needs.