Empowering Growth, Independence & Joy (Ages 2–3)
Ages 2 to 3 are a whirlwind of milestones, from running and kicking to imaginative play and learning to share. According to the CDC, toddlers in this stage are developing emotionally, socially, and physically, mastering skills like taking turns, engaging in pretend play, and managing a wide range of emotions. At Centerville Child Development Center, we partner with families to enhance this journey with care, consistency, and creativity.
- Encourage Developmental Milestones Through Play: Toddlers begin role-playing, understanding routines, and can follow simple instructions.
At Centerville Child Development Center:
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- Play “Follow the Leader” in open play areas, encourage imitating actions like hopping, stomping, or tiptoeing.
- Make believe magic: Provide dress-up items (hats, scarves, simple props) and props for dramatic play, like toy phones or pretend kitchens.
- Physical fun: Set up soft balls or beanbags for toddlers to kick gently, helping develop coordination and gross motor skills.
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- Foster Language, Naming & Self-Expression: Parents can encourage toddlers to say their name, age, and enjoy simple songs and rhymes.
At Centerville Child Development Center:
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- Name and tell: During circle time, invite each toddler to state their name and age, cheer them on with praise.
- Sing-along time: Teach fun, repetitive songs like “Itsy Bitsy Spider” or culturally diverse rhymes, encouraging toddlers to sing along and perform motions.
- Narrate and question: During routines, “You’re putting on your shoes, do you remember whose shoe that is? Is it blue or red?”
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- Reinforce Positive Behavior & Manage Emotions: Praise cooperation, limit attention during defiance (like tantrums), and teach acceptable ways to express upset.
At Centerville Child Development Center:
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- Catch them being good: Highlight moments of sharing (“I saw you share the toy gently, great job!”) to reinforce kindness.
- Emotion tools: Teach simple emotion words, “I see you’re mad, can we take a deep breath or find a calm corner?”
- Redirection: If frustration arises, guide toddlers toward constructive alternatives, e.g., “Instead of hitting, can you tap softly or find a book?”
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- Build Safety Awareness as They Explore: With increased mobility, toddlers face more risks, supervision around water, ensuring they chew carefully, toy checks, and avoiding hot liquids is essential.
At Centerville Child Development Center:
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- Supervised snack time: Ensure toddlers sit to eat, eat slowly, and are encouraged to chew thoroughly.
- Daily safety sweeps: Teachers inspect play areas and toys routinely for hazards, loose pieces, broken parts, or choking risks.
- Water caution: Group water play (if any) is closely monitored with zero unattended access; all indoor water areas remain dry unless directly supervised.
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- Support Healthy Routines & Screen Limits: Toddlers benefit from physical activity, nutritious food, sufficient sleep, and limited screen time (no more than 1 hour per day).
At Centerville Child Development Center:
- Balanced snacks & meals: Offer healthy, toddler-sized portions, fruits, grains, proteins, while respecting day-to-day fluctuations in appetite.
- Active play sessions: Encourage climbing, running, dancing, and interactive games that build strength and coordination.
- Nap alignment: Work with families to mirror home nap routines, ensuring toddlers get ample rest (aiming for 11–14 hours in total per 24 hours).
- Screen-free focus: Prioritize sensory, hands-on, and social play over screens; when screen use is necessary (e.g., educational music videos), limit it to under one hour and always with engagement.
At Centerville Child Development Center, we’re committed to nurturing toddlers’ growth through playful learning, emotional support, and collaborative routines. By integrating CDC-backed strategies with our classroom strengths, like interactive play, safety-first environments, responsive routines, and consistent communication with families, we foster confident, joyful toddlers ready to explore their world.