Skip to content Skip to navigation
Vassar
Skip to global navigation Menu

Enrollment: eight children and two or three adults in each group.

Program Options: 

  • 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
  • 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
  • 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Respecting children means viewing our youngest as whole, unique, and capable individuals. The emphasis in the toddler program is on learning through relationships, play, movement, songs, and stories while capitalizing on the child’s natural sense of wonder and joy. Children are enrolled in the toddler program between the ages of 18–34 months. The intimate classroom design and excellent child-teacher ratio provide opportunities to support regulation and autonomy, foster language growth, and build peer relationships. We practice responsive caregiving and embed the principles of RIE (Resources for Infant Education) into our approach:

  • Basic Trust in the child as an initiator and self-learner
  • The environment is prepared for the child (physically safe, cognitively challenging, emotionally Nurturing)
  • Time for uninterrupted play
  • Value child-to-child interaction
  • The child is involved in all care activities as an active participant rather than a passive recipient.
  • Sensitive observation is a key role of the educator and is essential to understand the child's needs and direction.
  • Consistency and clearly defined daily flow and limits help the child develop safety, clarity, and discipline.
  • Respecting a child means treating even the youngest as a unique human being                                    (Excerpted and adapted from Magda Gerber and THE FIRST RIE BROCHURE)