Twos Program
2 years old by Sept. 1
Monday and Wednesday, 9:30-11:30am
The goal of the Twos Program is to introduce children to a group experience while providing a place for parents and caregivers to meet other families with young children. When children see their parent or caregiver interacting with teachers and other adults, they sense the environment is a safe and secure one for themselves.Once the teacher-child relationship has been established and the child is familiar with the classroom and routine, a gradual separation begins to take place. Families work with the teachers to develop individual goals and timelines for the separation process. After the initial 3-4 sessions, the readiness for separation is determined.
Separations are brief at the beginning of the year and lengthen with each class session. Because the separation process is individually determined, we ask all parents and/or caregivers to be available for the first 4-6 weeks. Children often enter the Twos Program intent on solitary play (playing by one’s self). Teachers model and coach children to develop social skills (turn-taking, expressing ideas, etc.) which aids in the development of more complex play (parallel and associative play). Click to learn more about Parten’s Six Stages of Play.
Children who participate in our Twos Program are given priority to enroll in our Preschool Programs the following fall.
Curriculum
Large Group
The Large Group activities include child-selected play and Circle Time. Children choose activities of their interest from Dramatic Play, building, puzzles, playdoh, Reading Corner, etc. Within these activities, children learn to negotiate taking turns, self-regulation, problem-solving and more with the guidance of the teachers.
Movement
Movement is an important part of our day. Children develop hand-eye coordination, motor planning, body awareness in addition to social skills through movement and motor play.
Inside, children slide, run, bike and scooter in our large, open motor room, named the Bumpus Room.
Outside, children utilize our spacious, state of the art outdoor playground to climb, run, slide, ride bikes and scooters, dig in the sand, garden and draw with chalk.
Small Group
The Twos Program offers children the opportunity to explore in an environment designed especially for them. Two small groups take place at the big table: Snack and Art Exploration. Small groups give children the opportunity to develop independent skills they are eager to develop and a chance to interact with other children one on one. During Snack, children learn to pour their own water from tot-sized pitchers and serve themselves a snack. Afterwards, they take care of cleaning up after themselves. All these activities help children develop self-confidence by allowing them time and a place to learn new independent skills. During Art Exploration, children use various mediums (paint, glue, paper, brushes, chalk, etc.) to make their mark in the world. These projects are open-ended and designed to give children the opportunity to discover what will happen and what they can do with the materials. These activities are about the process of discovery versus an end product.
Class meets Monday and Wednesday 9:30-11:30m