Two-Year Old Program Overview

Separate Classes by Age

We recognize that two-year olds can vary greatly in developmental readiness. To ensure the best experience, our program is divided into:

• Young 2’s (Spring and Summer birthdays)
• 2½’s (Fall and Winter birthdays)

This separation allows us to tailor activities and goals to each group’s developmental needs.

Program Goals

Our primary objectives for both groups include:

• Easing the transition from home to preschool
• Instilling a positive attitude toward school
• Encouraging socialization
• Fostering independence and cooperative play

Children explore dynamic activity centers linked to current themes, specific skills, or open-ended play. Teachers guide play through:

• Indirect guidance and observation
• Modeling appropriate behavior
• Engaging, meaningful interactions

During free play, Teachers facilitate group interactions, encourage proper use of materials, and work individually with children as needed.

Curriculum Highlights

Developing Fine Motor Skills

Children build fine motor coordination and hand strength by practicing:

• Cutting with scissors
• Holding pencils correctly
• Using manipulatives and art materials

Emerging Literacy and Communication

Language and communication skills grow through:

• Songs, rhymes, and finger plays
• Story time and thematic projects
• Daily interactions with peers and Teachers

Even snack time is a learning opportunity, offering a chance to form relationships, practice new vocabulary, and discuss shapes, colors, and more.

Early Math Concepts

Children learn basic math ideas by:

• Classifying objects (by size, texture, weight, temperature)
• Identifying body parts
• Exploring shapes, colors, and number concepts from 1 to 10
• Participating in weekly cooking projects (which integrate counting, measuring, new vocabulary, and simple science experiments)

Circle Time

Circle Time encourages children to:

• Greet friends with a Welcome song
• Review the day’s agenda
• Engage with a story or flannel board

As children grow, Circle Time is gradually lengthened to build attention span and listening skills.

Building Independence

We support self-help skills daily, such as:

• Washing hands
• Toileting
• Dressing and clean-up routines
• Classroom jobs (messenger, line leader, etc.)

These activities foster responsibility, respect for others, and a sense of belonging to the class community.

Toilet Training

• 2’s: Not required to be toilet trained at the start of the school year.
• 2½’s: Should begin training in the summer, with the goal of being toilet trained by the start of the school year.

Program Options & Ratios

• 2-Day Program: Tuesday/Thursday
• 3-Day Program: Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Classroom Ratios:

• 2-year-old program: 8:2 (students:teacher)
• 2½-year-old program: 8–10:2 (students:teacher)

School-Wide Special Events

Both age groups participate in our exciting, school-wide festivities such as:

• Dad/Special Date Night
• Fall Harvest
• Snow Days
• Grandparent/Special Friend Days
• Western Week
• Week of the Young Child
• Fiesta

We look forward to welcoming your child to our Two-Year Old Program, where learning is hands-on, imaginative, and filled with fun!