The toddler classrooms are made up of 10 children 2 teachers. The teacher/student ratio in the toddler class will not exceed 1:5. The twos classrooms are made up of 12 children and 2 teachers. The teacher/student ratio in the twos classroom will not exceed 1:6.
The toddler and two-year-old classrooms are designed to maintain the nurturing and loving environment of the infant class while also fostering independence and confidence. Daily experiences planned by the educators provide opportunities for small group work and hands-on learning through play. Children make choices about their day and, as their interests emerge, educators follow the paths to engage their imagination and actualize their potential.
In addition to daily planned experiences and activities, the Atelierista (studio teacher) and Music teacher provide additional experiences to provoke integration of learning domains and to build cognitive and social/emotional connections within the context of the daily life of the child.
The children in the toddler and two-year-old classes are between the ages of 13 – 36 months at the beginning of the school year in August. The Willow School’s general policy to move children up to the next class as a group with at least one of the educators at the beginning of a school year. As much as possible we utilize “looping” in which a group of children and educators remain together for two or more consecutive years. We believe that this promotes strong relationships and a strong sense of community in each classroom. However, we also take into consideration each child’s individual needs and development. While the age range of the toddler/twos classes is a guide for placement, adjustments may be made when they are in the best interest of the child and the school community.