TODDLERS
Ages 24-36 Months
WE’RE THE VILLAGE YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR
WE’RE HERE TO HELP THEM FULLY POTTY TRAIN, BUILD FINE MOTOR SKILLS, AND EVOLVE THEIR VOCABULARY AND UNDERSTANDING OF NUMBERS WHILE CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THEIR SOCIAL SKILLS IN THIS CRITICAL PERIOD
TODDLERS
Ages 24-36 Months
WE’RE THE VILLAGE YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR
WE’RE HERE TO HELP THEM FULLY POTTY TRAIN, BUILD FINE MOTOR SKILLS, AND EVOLVE THEIR VOCABULARY AND UNDERSTANDING OF NUMBERS WHILE CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THEIR SOCIAL SKILLS IN THIS CRITICAL PERIOD
LOOK AT ME, I CAN DO IT BY MYSELF
Teachers encourage our toddler grads to become more independent without pressure. With lots of patience and encouragement, our older 2s are given daily tools to deal with the challenging transition into the preschool program.
The sophomore room teachers focus on providing an engaging environment where older 2s work on perfecting their practical skills through daily practice with greater structure and discipline.
Inside the classroom, we are busy building fine motor skills through art – cutting, pasting, molding and coloring.
Outside of the classroom, we refine gross motor skills through jumping, throwing and balancing.
And of course we continue to enhance practical skills such as buttoning and zipping clothes, brushing teeth and hair, getting dressed or cleaning up and wiping a table.
Yes, our goal is to ensure you’ve got a toddler ready to tackle their own self-care and contribute as part of the family at home. This is a critical lesson we encourage parents to continue, as it builds long term discipline, with the child feeling secure as a contributing family member. Chores are not meant to be negative consequences, but used as values-building exercise!
All this “serious work” is of course done with consistent praise and patience.
LET’S USE OUR WORDS AND MAKING FAST FRIENDS
Role modeling positive play, we foster social emotional development through guided play with peers. Our teachers show how wonderful it is to build a great relationship with a friend by emphasizing how helpful words are and their importance in communicating with others.
We build confidence in using beginner language skills through good morning greetings, circle time chatter about the day to day, our families, weather, holidays and calendar to extend everyday meanings.
Small group play through creative stations and exciting art projects alongside their peers perfects the practice of daily dialogue.
LET’S PLAY FIND THE ABCs AND 123s
Sophomores have now achieved longer attention spans at circle time but readiness is still months away. We therefore continue to creatively make learning numbers, letters and shapes an engaging and playful journey!
Focusing on reading strategies, teachers repeatedly point to letters all around us, use large story-time picture books and anchor posters.
Older 2s are actively learning through various art projects and sensory activities such as finding objects in sand, stamping on paper, sorting magnets and many more.
Prewriting strategies such as finger-tracing and painting occupy our busy toddlers by pointing out different features of each letter, number and shape and aid retention.
Linguistic awareness is refined by pointing out words that start with repetition of similar sounds in nursery rhymes & daily songs.
GOODBYE PULL-UPS, HELLO PRESCHOOL UNDIES
Mastering their biggest challenge yet is our main focus throughout this ‘sandwich’ stage of transition between daycare and preschool.
Being able to sit on the potty and show interest is wonderful, but most older 2s need an extra ‘push’ to achieve true potty success. Our eager sophomore teachers form a team composed of the child, the school, and parents, to effectively master this critical coming of age.
Consistent communication with our parents is key, and persistent teachers understand that every child has a unique experience and encouragement is a must to get to the next stage.
Patience and positivity help ease the incredible pressure that some parents feel and relieve any stress that trickles down to the child. Seminars involving school and parents, story time, songs and fun rewards, are keys to achieving potty success.
Meet yOur Teachers
Chandler Location
Ms. Kaycee
Ms. Kaycee | Toddlers
I was born and raised in Peoria, Arizona. I grew up with 5 siblings, me being the second youngest. My whole life revolved around soccer starting at the age of 4, I went on to play college soccer all 4 years at Ottawa University where I also graduated with my bachelor’s degree in psychology. My hobbies include shopping, traveling, outdoor activities, and being a full-time dog mom to my English Bulldog, Tobee. I started working with kids a little over 3 years ago—being able to teach kids new things and watch them grow is a true blessing!
Ms. Jorrie
Ms. Jorrie | Toddlers
I was born in Arizona and have lived here my whole life. I love Arizona but I like to travel when I can. I have always loved being with kids and have worked with them for 5 years now. I enjoy getting to watch them grow and learn. In my free time, I like to paint, skate, and go shopping!
Ms. Ashley
Ms. Ashley | Toddlers
Hi, my name is Ashley! I want to start by saying that I am so beyond grateful to have the opportunity to work with your kiddos at PLA! I was born in North Carolina and moved here when I was 14 to be closer to my family. Some of my hobbies include reading, thrift shopping, playing with my two dogs and singing. I also enjoy the outdoors and traveling and hope to travel all around the world someday. I have always had a strong passion for working with children and watching them grow in every way! I look forward to helping your amazing kiddos grow and to also experience all the ways that they will help me grow as well!
Queen Creek Location
Ms Sierra
Ms Sierra | Toddlers
Since I have been teaching at PLA I have loved every minute of it! I began working in Childcare about three years ago and I enjoy reading, drawing, and spending time with my friends and family. I’m so excited to be a part of the PLA family!
