Otters

Dancing, climbing, jumping, doing puzzles and using table manners are just a few of the many things that you will find the busy children in The Otter Room doing.

The Otter Room was designed to provide exceptional care for toddlers, ages eighteen months to two years. Enrolled families can expect a safe, secure, nurturing, and age-appropriate learning environment. Experienced, well-qualified teachers are staffed at a generous 1:4 ratio. Teachers are dedicated to responding promptly to every child’s feeding, sleeping, diapering and playtime needs.

Families are provided with daily written reports that accurately summarize the child’s daily activities. In addition to communication at drop off and pick up, families are encouraged to call or visit as desired.

Classroom Schedule

Otters continue to practice consistency by following a daily routine. Teachers foster growth by introducing new experiences through creative play and exploration while encouraging children to learn coordination, communication and begin learning self-control.

7:00-8:50

Arrival / Outside Play / Inside Free Choice

8:50-9:00

Morning Meeting

9:00-9:30

Morning Snack

9:30-11:00

Choice Time and Special Activity

11:00-11:45

Outside Play

11:45-12:00

Rocco's Reflections (Social/Emotional Lesson)

12:00-12:30

Lunch

12:45-3:00

Nap / Quiet Activities

3:00-3:30

Snack

4:00-5:30

Outside Play / Choice Time / Pick-Up

What to Expect in the Otter Room

Social Emotional Development

Children are encouraged to use words and gestures to express more complex emotions.
Children begin to demonstrate awareness of their own emotions and exhibit self-control.
Children begin to recognize the feelings of another person and respond appropriately.
Children will observe and imitate the emotional interactions of others.
Children may become more independent and start testing adults’ reactions to his or her behavior and understand what “no” means.

Cognitive Development

Children continue to use their senses and a variety of strategies to investigate information.
Children are encouraged to observe and imitate sounds and movements.
Children are taught problem-solving skills and calm down strategies

Physical Development

Children are offered a rest period during the day.
Children can feed selves with some assistance.
Children will walk or climb on low objects
Children will perform simple fine motor skills and manipulate smaller objects with increasing control. This leads to practicing self-help skills while getting dressed

Language Development

Children enjoy short stories, rhymes, finger plays, songs, and music.

Children will start to show understanding of the concept words and sequence of events such as “After we clean up, we can read a book.”
Children are encouraged to take turns, alternating listening, and responding.
Children are encouraged to carry out a one-step direction.
Children will begin to use two- or three-word phrases and sentences.