Toddler Program

toddler program

Overview

While the focus is still largely on their primary care, toddlers begin to take their first steps towards greater independence. We promote their development through play and natural exploration of their surroundings. While much of a toddler’s world is all about “me”, we begin to lay the basis for positive social interaction and support his or her positive relationships with peers. Toddlers are encouraged to become more independent and work hard at doing things for themselves. They gain a tremendous sense of pride and positive self-esteem when they discover that they can do it! Willowbrae Academy curriculum has three unique programs. Our Young Scholars program is based on three key learning areas: literacy, mathematics, and science. Toddlers are exposed to activities in these areas that will encourage; self-expression, listening, exploration & discovery, identification & recognition, and problem solving. Willowbrae’s BodyBreak KID FIT focuses on activity and education. We provide physical activities and healthy lifestyle education while children are in our care. Our Willowbrae Creative Kids includes: visual arts, dramatic play, music, dance & creative movement and culture & heritage. Toddlers are exposed to developmentally appropriate activities in these key areas to help support social, emotional and cognitive growth.


Typical Day at Willowbrae Academy

07:00 am - 08:00 am Good morning (arrival, free play)
08:00 am - 08:45 am Transition to individual classrooms and Willowbrae Young Scholars (table top, sensory)
08:45 am - 09:10 am Tidy up, washroom, diapering routine
09:10 am - 09:20 am BodyBreak KID FIT
09:20 am - 09:45 am Morning snack
09:45 am - 10:15 am Willowbrae Young Scholars (small groups, circle, language, music)
10:15 am - 10:45 am Willowbrae Creative Kids (art activity)
10:45 am - 11:15 am BodyBreak KID FIT (outside, gross motor play)
11:15 am - 11:30 am Washroom, diapering routine
11:30 am - 12:15 pm Lunch, clean up
12:15 pm - 02:30 pm Nap time
02:30 pm - 02:55 pm Free play, washroom, diapering routine
02:55 pm - 03:05 pm BodyBreak KID FIT
03:05 pm - 03:30 pm Snack and clean up
03:30 pm - 04:00 pm Willowbrae Creative Kids (circle, stories, music)
04:00 pm - 05:30 pm Clean up and BodyBreak KID FIT (outside, gross motor play)
05:30 pm - 06:00 pm Combine classes and Willowbrae Young Scholars (table top activities, free play)
06:00 pm Academy closes, good night!

Parent Testimonials


Mark P
Heidi D
Mike B
Jennifer R
Melissa G
Mark P

As a parents its essential to choose right daycare providers as they become crucial part of their development/safety. Our daughter loves going to willowbrae Academy- she started from infant room and had a seamless transition from infant to toddler room with equal caring of the teachers. Willowbrae Daycare is a safe, secure, supportive and stimulating environment where children are free to grow to their full potential.

Heidi D
The child monitors help you transition as a new parent, dropping your child off in the early years. They help you feel more at east when you have tough drop offs, knowing you can see them settle quickly when logging into their live feed. Very play-based, kids get lots of outdoor time whether on the playground or with their class walking on the trails. Love the binder full of daycare memories they get to take home with them when they graduate.
Mike B

Two years ago our family was posted to Halifax. Far from our friends, family and support network back in Ontario my wife and I desperately searched for a daycare provider that we felt would take proper care of our children. We decided on Willowbrae in Hammonds Plains. Our children were embraced with open arms from both new friends and their professional and caring teachers. We will always be thankful for the wonderful start Willowbrae provided our children and the many friendships we have all made along the way!

Jennifer R

Hi Michelle and Jenn,

I hope all is well at Willowbrae. Our daughter is enjoying "big school" but sure misses her friends and teachers at Willowbrae, as do I. What an amazing preparation she has had for primary. Her teacher says she is one of the more advanced students in the class. I certainly credit this to the hard work and dedication of Ms. Shirley and Tiana. What wonderful gifts they have given their students, both educational and social. Our daughter has the skills necessary to positively interact with classmates and control her own emotions thanks to her preschool teachers. However, our daughter did express to me some disappointment, "Mommy, at big school, we don't even have shark week!". haha! Thank you for preparing her so well for this transition! Are you planning on having summer camps for school aged children next year? Thank you,

Melissa G

Our Child had a great time. He learned a lot and had a lot of fun.


Click here to see all of our parent testimonials.

Note: Schedules, times, age groups, and programs may vary at our Academies.

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