Beachwood Day Care for Toddlers

Full-Day Beachwood Child Care

This Full-Day Day Care program for toddlers functions as a family nurtured by competent, caring teachers.

AGES: 18-36 months

DAYS:

  • Children can attend two, three or five full days per week.
  • Operating hours: 7:30am to 6pm



Dedication
The Mandel JCC’s Toddlercare Program provides the highest quality care and education for young children.

  • The toddler classroom functions as a family nurtured by caring professionals.
  • Our exceptionally low teacher child ratio (1:4) allows teachers to meet children’s individual and group needs.
  • Each child is respected and treated as an individual.
  • All children are made to feel as safe and cared for at school as they do at home.
  • Quality caregiving, ongoing communication and support for parents are benchmarks of our toddlercare program

Investigation
Toddlers are naturally curious about the world around them and learn best through real concrete experiences.
  • The toddler classroom has clearly defined work/play areas with a variety of easily accessible materials.
    • Block
    • Dramatic Play
    • Writing Center
    • Library
    • Sensory Experiences
  • Thoughtfully planned activities and experiences appeal to the toddler’s interests and active learning style.
  • Older toddlers often assist their younger classmates and all children learn how to maintain cooperative relationships with one another while developing age-appropriate skills.
Exploration
Toddlers are naturally curious! They need safe and childfriendly places to engage their active bodies and active minds.
  • Toddlers meet with a music specialist once a week in a different space within our larger facility. The music teacher uses a variety of interactive activities to promote concept development and foster a love and appreciation of music.
  • Toddlers have access to The J’s Debra Ann November KidSpace rooms including Family Place and the Activity Room for gross motor play. These communal spaces engage toddlers in both large motor and creative play.
  • Toddlers enjoy daily access to our full size gymnasium where they can run, climb and play while developing large motor control.
  • Toddlers join the preschoolers each Friday morning for Shabbat. They dance, sing and rejoice together!
  • Toddlers have year round access to our fenced-in outdoor playground. Bundled up for playing in snow, or painting with watercolors on a hot summer day, we know the benefit of outdoor play and actively integrate it into our curriculum.

Separation
The adjustment from home to childcare is a big step for families. We work with parents to facilitate a smooth and comfortable transition to our Toddlercare program. The following schedule is suggested to help a toddler transition into the classroom. Teachers collaborate with parents to create a plan that is best suited for each family.

Before the First Day:

  • Parent/caregiver and child can stop in the classroom to say “hello.” Your child will be able to see the room and meet the teachers and the other children.
  • Tell your child that s/he will be coming to The J in an honest, matter-of-fact manner.

Day One:

  • Plan to spend a few hours in the classroom and allow your child to enjoy snack time with the other children.
  • Allow your child to explore and play while you keep a slight distance; be readily available to provide assistance if needed.
  • Engage in a relaxed conversation with the teachers so your child can see that you enjoy and trust them.
  • End the morning on a happy note; leave while your child is still having fun and before your child gets too tired or overwhelmed.

Day Two:

  • The second day will be similar to the first. Look for cues that your child is feeling more trustful of the teachers and the environment. Does s/he look to the teachers for help? Does s/he move farther away from your side?
  • Bring a book or magazine and do your “work” while your child plays.
  • Leave the room for short periods of time. Always tell your child where you are going and when you will be back.
  • Pack lunch and let your child experience the lunchtime routine with your help.
  • Watch as cots are being placed throughout the room and tell your child that s/he will have his/her cot to rest on soon.
  • Leave prior to naptime.

Day Three:

  • Your child will more likely play independently and allow the teachers to assist him/her.
  • When you leave the room, stretch out the length of time you are gone.
  • Allow the teachers to assist your child at lunchtime and in other situations.
  • At rest time, let your child try out his/her cot. Have your child’s cot items available, (sheet, pillow, blanket, soft toy.)
  • Each child’s adjustment to school will be assessed and recommendations for easing the transition process may be implemented.
 






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to the Preschool Home page