Toddler Class
Big Feelings, Small Hands, Loving Support
The Toddler Class serves children ages 12 to 30 months during a time of rapid growth and discovery. Our classroom focuses on creating a predictable, nurturing routine that helps toddlers feel secure while encouraging curiosity and independence. Children learn through hands-on play, sensory exploration, songs, stories, and daily caregiving moments. English and Mandarin are naturally woven into the day through conversation and interaction, supporting early language development in a warm, responsive setting. Our teachers partner closely with families to support each child’s unique needs, milestones, and comfort.
Ages
12 months to 2.5 years old
Dates
Mondays through Fridays
Time
8:30am - 5:30pm
Some things to expect
Small group ratio and individualized attention
We intentionally maintain small group sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios so every child receives meaningful attention and responsive care. Teachers are able to closely observe each child’s needs, support social development, and build strong, trusting relationships that help children feel secure and confident throughout the day.
Developmentally appropriate learning through monthly themes
Our curriculum is guided by thoughtfully planned monthly themes that reflect children’s interests and developmental stages. Activities are play-based, hands-on, and age-appropriate, supporting language, cognitive, social-emotional, and creative development. Teachers adapt experiences to meet each child where they are and help them grow at their own pace.
Nutritious snacks and lunch provided
Children are nourished with balanced, wholesome snacks and lunches prepared to support healthy growth and energy. Meals are served in a calm, family-style setting that encourages independence, good eating habits, and positive social interaction. We thoughtfully accommodate allergies and special dietary needs in partnership with families.
Ample outdoor time for movement and exploration
Children enjoy daily outdoor play that allows them to stretch, move, and explore in a safe environment. Outdoor time supports gross motor development through climbing, running, and balancing, while also strengthening fine motor skills through nature-based play and hands-on activities. Fresh air and movement are an essential part of our daily routine.
❊ FAQs
You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers
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Little Caterpillar Academy serves children from 12 months to 6 years old. Children are placed in classrooms based on age and developmental readiness to ensure they receive appropriate care and learning experiences.
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We have two classrooms, each designed to support children at different developmental stages.
Toddler Class (12 months to 30 months)
Our Toddler Class focuses on helping young children feel safe, secure, and confident as they begin exploring the world around them. Learning happens through movement, sensory play, repetition, and warm, responsive interactions. English and Mandarin are naturally integrated throughout the day in meaningful, real-life contexts. The classroom environment is calm, predictable, and nurturing to support emotional security.
Preschool Class (30 months to 6 years old)
Our Preschool Class supports growing independence, curiosity, and early academic foundations in a play-based, engaging environment. English and Mandarin are woven naturally into activities, routines, and peer interactions, supporting confident bilingual development while preparing children for kindergarten. English and Mandarin are woven naturally into activities, routines, and peer interactions, supporting confident bilingual development while preparing children for kindergarten.
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Classroom placement is based on age, developmental readiness, and individual needs. Transitions are planned thoughtfully, with communication between teachers and families to ensure children feel comfortable and supported.
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English and Mandarin are integrated naturally throughout the day during play, routines, stories, songs, and everyday conversations. Children experience both languages in meaningful, real-life contexts rather than through formal lessons, allowing language to develop naturally and with confidence.
Each classroom has a dedicated English teacher and a dedicated Mandarin Chinese teacher, who consistently use their respective languages during interactions, activities, and learning experiences. This immersive approach helps children connect language with relationships, actions, and daily life, supporting strong bilingual understanding in a warm, supportive environment.
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Individualized care begins at enrollment, when parents and guardians share detailed information about their child’s routines, strengths, interests, and specific needs. Teachers and families work together to establish an individualized care plan that supports each child’s well-being, development, and learning.
Ongoing communication is an essential part of this partnership. Teachers share daily updates during drop-off and pick-up, and children’s progress, challenges, and milestones are discussed in greater depth during twice-annual parent-teacher conferences. Care plans are reviewed and updated each year in collaboration with families to ensure they continue to reflect each child’s growth and evolving needs.
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Little Caterpillar Academy does not offer short-term, drop-in, or one-week enrollment. Our program is designed to provide consistency, stability, and meaningful relationships, which are essential for young children’s well-being and development.
Enrollment is based on ongoing care rather than temporary attendance. This allows children to build strong connections with teachers and peers, settle into daily routines, and fully benefit from our play-based, bilingual learning environment.
If you’re unsure whether our program is the right fit, we’re happy to discuss your family’s needs and help explore appropriate options.