Waddlers

"Curious Explorers" investigate in a safe and nurturing environment

Our Waddler program serves as a transition stage for our more mature infants as they prepare for the Toddler classrooms. Building on their new skills of walking and talking, waddlers actively explore their environment, more easily communicate what they need to their caregivers, and develop the ability to play symbolically, such as “pretend talking” on the phone and “pretend eating” with play objects. Although waddlers begin to use simple words to describe feelings, they still need help to understand those feelings and to cope with disappointment. Nurturing caregivers who understand their particular needs are still critical to healthy growth and development.

Constant Verbal Communication

Our Waddler teachers ensure that our curious explorers can move about and investigate in a safe environment. They assist in developing large and small motor skills and focus on overall motor coordination as waddlers interact with and manipulate different objects for the first time. Verbal communication is constant. We use language to talk with children about what they or their friends are doing. We also make sure to listen to and respect what our new talkers say.

Research on brain development shows that positive relationships are critical during the earliest years of life. Our low child-to-caregiver ratio continues to provide the individualized attention and closeness that waddlers still require from their caregivers. Through consistent, supportive and thoughtful interactions with their teachers and classmates, waddlers learn to make choices on their own and are encouraged to explore the world around them.