ToddlersInteractions between caregivers and toddlers matter in a big way. These interactions lay the foundation for all subsequent development, making a focus on strengthening connections absolutely critical for improving child outcomes. At Building Blocks Learning Center, our hands-on teaching efforts simplify our day by creating comfort, excitement, and peace of mind.
Our caregivers are experienced and certified to provide nurturing guidance while laying out the foundation for continuous growth and development. Our classrooms are safe and conducive to meet the needs of each child. Our classrooms have multiple teaching staff members and floaters that help facilitate developmentally-appropriate activities and classroom management daily.
We invite you to visit our toddler room. Contact us to schedule a tour!
Frequently Asked Questions
? What items does your program provide?
Building Blocks provides diapers and wipes. We also provide breakfast, AM snack, lunch and PM snack.
? How many children are in the class?
There are 2 classrooms in the toddler age group including a 1 year old class and a 2 to young 3 year old class.
The teacher to child ratio is dependent on the group's average age.
1:5 for 12 - 18 months.
1:7 for 18 - 24 months.
1:9 for 2 year olds.
The 1 year old class has a maximum group size of 10-12 compared to the Texas Minimum Standards of 13-18. The 2 year old class has a maximum group size of 16 compared to Texas Minimum Standards of 22. Typically there is one designated teacher for each room with a second teacher that floats between 2 rooms to assist when needed and during the busiest moments of the day.
? Do you offer potty-training?
Yes, we do. We have the facilities to support potty-learning once the child shows signs of readiness.
We work as a team with families to encourage the children to go at their own
pace.
? Where/when will my child nap?
When children turn a year old, they transition from a crib to a mat
or cot and usually have one nap after lunch. However, they can sleep at any
time of the day if needed until they transition to one nap a
day.
? How do you keep parents up to date?
Building Blocks uses a parent app. Parents choose to download the
app or receive the report by email. The
teachers will post meals, diaper changes or toileting progress, activities, photos and
more. Parents can also message teachers
directly.
? What do you serve for meals and snacks?
Once children are 12 months old, they are offered our full menu with few exceptions. We serve
2 meals plus a small morning snack and an afternoon snack. The meals and afternoon snack comply with the
guidelines of the Texas Child and Adult Care Food Program and are served with
either milk or 100% fruit juice. Water
is offered during the morning snack and is available at all meals and snacks.
? What will my child learn?
Children learn at their own rate progressing in a manner that is predictable. Teachers support this learning by following milestones and providing stimulating activities and exploration. Our chosen curriculum is Frog Street Infant and Frog Street Toddler covering the 4 domains, physical, language, social/emotional and cognitive. A typical day would include songs, stories, and fingerplays.
? How often do toddlers have outdoor play?
We play on our toddler
playground twice per day, every day weather permitting.
? How often are materials and equipment cleaned?
Materials and equipment are cleaned often! Tables - before and after each use; toys and manipulatives - at least daily; cots, gross motor equipment, and outdoor equipment - daily.
? Are children taught to share?
Young children typically do not have the brain-wiring yet to think about other children's needs and wants which makes it hard to teach the skill of sharing. We do use gentle reminders about how to handle the materials in the classroom and to choose toys from shelves or from the floor. We like to point out that when a toy is in another person's hands that they will have to wait their turn.
? What do you do about aggressive behavior?
What adults refer to as aggressive behavior is usually considered "normal behavior" for a toddler. Knowing this, we must be very patient with children as they learn social and language skills. Children are provided with numerous opportunities throughout the day for connection activities. Teachers are trained to observe the situation and provide children with the words and actions to meet their needs before the child acts out. It takes a lot of practice but eventually children learn skills to help them navigate their world.