We call them Energetic Explorers from the time they begin walking until they turn two years old.  Hang on tight!!  They are always moving, always climbing, and always busy.  Your delightful, cuddly companion has become a hectic mass of energy,so demanding, but so full of wonder and enjoyment in life and learning.  Your child is off and running, building knowledge of the world around them.  Your toddler's climbing skills, block towers and beginning sentences are all signs of independence.  It is at this time that your toddler will want to begin doing things for themselves even though they may not be able to.  We truly understand the toddler phase here at Providence.  Our teachers operate their classrooms according to a flexible schedule which only adds to the comfort of the toddlers.  They like the security of knowing what comes next.  The planning of activities takes into consideration the tactile experiences that toddlers thrive on as they explore their world.  We begin to teach them sign language to assist in communication and they enjoy various activities in a variety of medium.  They are busy, busy from the time they arrive until the time they leave, transitioning among experiences that prepare them for success as a Distinguished Discoverer. Questions & Answers What does the center provide for my child each day? Mats, sheets, blankets, sippy cups and bibs Age appropriate toys Individualized experiences as outlined above Lots of love and affection What do I need to bring for my child each day? Diapers and wipes can be brought in bulk and stored in your child?s cubby A change of clothing can also be stored in the cubby, but please change them out with the seasons and sudden growth spurts Should my one year old be wearing shoes? Yes, we take the children out twice each day weather permitting What about pacifiers and bottles/sippy cups?   We highly encourage all of our Energetic Explorers to abandon the pacifiers and bottles at this time?actually before they transition.  The Bright Beginners caregivers work with parents and the children to reach this goal.  It becomes a sanitation issue with the mobility and attention span of the children as they will drop the bottles or pacifiers to explore what has their attention. Can my child bring "comfort" items from home? We discourage children from bringing in items from home unless for special projects because it is easy to get items confused in terms of to whom they belong.  If it is absolutely necessary to have the item we will work with the child to detach them from the item over time. Can I visit my child?   Although we value parental involvement, at this age it may be very difficult for your child to see you and then you leave without them.  It is really an individual, case by case situation. Is there a set time for arrivals? Yes, your child needs to arrive no later than 9:00AM to begin their day.  Even our little ones have a structured learning time in the morning that is kicked off with Circle Time at 9:00AM.  It is also at this time that we complete counts for snacks and lunch and adjust staffing as necessary.  If a late arrival is necessary, we simply ask that you call prior to 9:00AM so we include the child in all counts. Can I bring in extra snacks for my child? We discourage this for a number of reasons?primarily that we provide adequately for each child in terms of nutrition.  Secondly, all children at this age want what other children have. Can my child take more than one nap? While we will try to adhere to the scheduled nap time for the children, if a child is just too tired to stay awake, we will accommodate that child.