Callahan Learning Center - 2 Year Old Class
Peyton joined CLC as part of our opening on August.
Typical Daily Timeline** 8:00 am Arrival 8:30 am Breakfast 9:00 am Group time 10:00 am Outside time 11:00 am Learning Centers 12:00 pm Lunch 12:30 pm Rest time 3:00 pm Snack 3:30 pm Outside time 4:30 pm Learning Center 5:30 pm Departure |
It takes a special person to work with two year olds. That’s why we hand select staff that are patient, understanding, loving, and experienced in early childhood. They are highly trained in establishing firm and realistic expectations for two year olds. They are also trained in childhood development and are very familiar with age appropriate actions. They understand the importance of keeping children active and engaged with a balance of play and academics. At this stage of development, learning is mostly done through play and modeling of behaviors. At Callahan Learning Center, two year olds are given plenty of opportunity throughout their day for play based learning with a balance of structured teacher-led learning. In our program, your child will be exposed to concepts in math, literacy, science, art, music, and technology while building on essential developmental skills – social, emotional, physical, developmental, and cognitive.
The curriculum program that we use has been designed using Virginia’s Foundation Blocks for Learning - a tool that educators use to ensure school readiness for students entering Kindergarten. We offer an assessment system that will track your child’s progress throughout the year. Twice a year we conduct Parent/Teacher conferences so that you can keep up to date with your child’s development. Our staff are always available to answer questions about your child. The two year old class uses the following schedule we highlight here as the foundation for their day. However, the teachers are also encouraged to use flexibility appropriate to this age group. Very few items on the schedule are required. We want the children to get the most out of their day and be given every opportunity possible for growth and development! The teachers are free to adjust the schedule as they need, to allow for extended time on a particular project or to explore and area the children are showing an interest in. Highlights:
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A Day at CLC for our Two Year Old Class
Meet Peyton, a 2 Year Old Attending Our Program.
Arrival – Peyton arrives at the center. Although she is sad that her mom has to go to work, Peyton is reassured by our loving staff that she will have fun and be safe today. She gives her mom one last hug and is encouraged to place her personal belongings in her cubby. She has the freedom to rest or play freely in the classroom.
Breakfast – The menus at Callahan Learning Center have been developed using USDA guidelines. We are proud to offer a variety of nutritious food options. Today’s breakfast is english muffins, bananas, and milk. Peyton is able to peal her own banana and is very proud. She’s working on those independent skill that help promote her self-confidence! While the children eat, the teacher talks to the children about the day planned ahead.
Group time – After cleaning up from breakfast, the class prepares for small group time. During this time, the class is divided into two groups. One group will do an activity at the table with the Lead Teacher. This activity will be curriculum based and will have a goal of helping children meet a development milestone. The second group will enjoy circle time activities with the Assistant Teacher. After each group is finished, they will switch places allowing all children to participate in the activities. Group time is a great time for Peyton to learn cooperation, develop her vocabulary, how to self-regulate her emotions, practice fine motor activities, along with numerous other developmental skills. Peyton really wants to participate in the art activity first but her group is doing circle time first. Many two year olds have difficulty expressing their frustrations and waiting their turn. Our qualified staff understand this about the two year olds in their care. Peyton's teacher asks her to help at circle time and reassures her that she will have the opportunity to do the art project afterward.
Outside – Anyone who has been around a two year old knows they are full of energy! Peyton and her friends are ready to go outside and enjoy the fresh air! They are all encouraged to explore, run, and be loud while on the playground. Not only does outside time allow the children to expel energy, it also encourages use of gross motor muscles, allows their imaginations to work, and helps them have a sense of freedom.
Learning Centers – Two year olds need the ability to freely explore their own topics and interests. Many times they benefit from a schedule and a routine, however, they also need time for their curious minds to explore. During learning centers, the children are allowed to freely explore the classroom. They are encouraged to use the materials in new and interesting ways. This is a time when they can ask questions, learn social skills, and work on independent skills.
Lunch – Part of our philosophy is creating an environment of community within the classroom. Each child helps to clean up the classroom. The children are encouraged to help each other and to be responsible for the belongings of the classroom. Once the room is back in order, everyone is ready for lunch! Peyton and her friends wash their hands and help set the table. Today’s lunch is baked chicken, steamed broccoli, mixed fruit, a roll, and milk. The class eats family style, meaning the teachers help the children serve themselves and everyone sits at the table together. Table manners and proper social skills are encouraged at meal times.
Nap time – Peyton and her friends have had a fabulous morning! Their bodies need time to rest and recuperate. From 12:30 to 2:30 every day the children will be allowed to rest. Although sleeping is required, this is such an important time for a child’s development! Peyton's teachers play soft music, sit with the children, rub their backs, and tuck them in for a nap.
Snack – Once all the children are awake, they have a snack to reenergize for the afternoon. Today, snack is yogurt and granola. Yum!
Outside – Peyton gets the opportunity to go outside again every afternoon. At Callahan Learning Center the children enjoy a balance of play based learning and teacher led activities. There has been much research done about the importance and the benefits of play based learning. Peyton and her friends are naturally curious. Allowing them to freely explore what they are curious about helps foster a love of learning. Giving children plenty of opportunities to explore and play is fundamental to their development.
Group time – Peyton and her friends participate in small group activities with their teacher. Teacher led activities help Peyton develop social skills that are essential when entering Kindergarten. Studies have shown that children who participate in a program that is balanced with small group, teacher led activities along with free play grow up to be more successful adults. This is especially true for under-resourced children. At Callahan Learning Center our goal is help every child be successful and to become life-long learners.
Learning Centers – After a fun day of exploring, learning, and interacting Peyton and her friends are ready to end their day with some free play. Although educators know that most learning occurs during free play, there are no expectations placed on what activities or centers the children must participate in. They are allowed to explore at their leisure and wrap up any projects they have started earlier in the day.
Departure – As Peyton's mom arrives to pick her up, she notices Peyton playing in the dramatic play center. Peyton is busy giving her a baby doll a bath. When she notices her mom, she runs to her, eager to tell her about her exciting day!
Arrival – Peyton arrives at the center. Although she is sad that her mom has to go to work, Peyton is reassured by our loving staff that she will have fun and be safe today. She gives her mom one last hug and is encouraged to place her personal belongings in her cubby. She has the freedom to rest or play freely in the classroom.
Breakfast – The menus at Callahan Learning Center have been developed using USDA guidelines. We are proud to offer a variety of nutritious food options. Today’s breakfast is english muffins, bananas, and milk. Peyton is able to peal her own banana and is very proud. She’s working on those independent skill that help promote her self-confidence! While the children eat, the teacher talks to the children about the day planned ahead.
Group time – After cleaning up from breakfast, the class prepares for small group time. During this time, the class is divided into two groups. One group will do an activity at the table with the Lead Teacher. This activity will be curriculum based and will have a goal of helping children meet a development milestone. The second group will enjoy circle time activities with the Assistant Teacher. After each group is finished, they will switch places allowing all children to participate in the activities. Group time is a great time for Peyton to learn cooperation, develop her vocabulary, how to self-regulate her emotions, practice fine motor activities, along with numerous other developmental skills. Peyton really wants to participate in the art activity first but her group is doing circle time first. Many two year olds have difficulty expressing their frustrations and waiting their turn. Our qualified staff understand this about the two year olds in their care. Peyton's teacher asks her to help at circle time and reassures her that she will have the opportunity to do the art project afterward.
Outside – Anyone who has been around a two year old knows they are full of energy! Peyton and her friends are ready to go outside and enjoy the fresh air! They are all encouraged to explore, run, and be loud while on the playground. Not only does outside time allow the children to expel energy, it also encourages use of gross motor muscles, allows their imaginations to work, and helps them have a sense of freedom.
Learning Centers – Two year olds need the ability to freely explore their own topics and interests. Many times they benefit from a schedule and a routine, however, they also need time for their curious minds to explore. During learning centers, the children are allowed to freely explore the classroom. They are encouraged to use the materials in new and interesting ways. This is a time when they can ask questions, learn social skills, and work on independent skills.
Lunch – Part of our philosophy is creating an environment of community within the classroom. Each child helps to clean up the classroom. The children are encouraged to help each other and to be responsible for the belongings of the classroom. Once the room is back in order, everyone is ready for lunch! Peyton and her friends wash their hands and help set the table. Today’s lunch is baked chicken, steamed broccoli, mixed fruit, a roll, and milk. The class eats family style, meaning the teachers help the children serve themselves and everyone sits at the table together. Table manners and proper social skills are encouraged at meal times.
Nap time – Peyton and her friends have had a fabulous morning! Their bodies need time to rest and recuperate. From 12:30 to 2:30 every day the children will be allowed to rest. Although sleeping is required, this is such an important time for a child’s development! Peyton's teachers play soft music, sit with the children, rub their backs, and tuck them in for a nap.
Snack – Once all the children are awake, they have a snack to reenergize for the afternoon. Today, snack is yogurt and granola. Yum!
Outside – Peyton gets the opportunity to go outside again every afternoon. At Callahan Learning Center the children enjoy a balance of play based learning and teacher led activities. There has been much research done about the importance and the benefits of play based learning. Peyton and her friends are naturally curious. Allowing them to freely explore what they are curious about helps foster a love of learning. Giving children plenty of opportunities to explore and play is fundamental to their development.
Group time – Peyton and her friends participate in small group activities with their teacher. Teacher led activities help Peyton develop social skills that are essential when entering Kindergarten. Studies have shown that children who participate in a program that is balanced with small group, teacher led activities along with free play grow up to be more successful adults. This is especially true for under-resourced children. At Callahan Learning Center our goal is help every child be successful and to become life-long learners.
Learning Centers – After a fun day of exploring, learning, and interacting Peyton and her friends are ready to end their day with some free play. Although educators know that most learning occurs during free play, there are no expectations placed on what activities or centers the children must participate in. They are allowed to explore at their leisure and wrap up any projects they have started earlier in the day.
Departure – As Peyton's mom arrives to pick her up, she notices Peyton playing in the dramatic play center. Peyton is busy giving her a baby doll a bath. When she notices her mom, she runs to her, eager to tell her about her exciting day!
* Peyton is a real CLC Student, her name and image used with permission. The story is representative of a day at CLC, but does not represent a specific day.
**This timeline is a representative day for a child at Callahan Learning Center. Weather, Holidays, Special Theme Days, and many other things can change the actual calendar of a specific day.
**This timeline is a representative day for a child at Callahan Learning Center. Weather, Holidays, Special Theme Days, and many other things can change the actual calendar of a specific day.