Toddlers 18 Mons - 3 Yrs

[Creative at Heart]

I recently started working as a Daycare Teacher for Toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years ( once they turn 3, they are moved to the next class level ). There are 3 teachers total, One who works mornings ( 8am - 1pm ), and myself and the other lead teacher who both work 9:30am - 6:30pm. Our class has a total of 17 kids. We have approximately 14 kids that show daily.

I have been reading curriculum ideas for this age level with little success as most suggestions seem to involve only a few toddlers, where as I must divide my attention among a much larger group. Is there anyone else who is in a similar situation that has found a working curriculum for them? Or simply a semi organized routine that works well with such a large group of little ones.

The daycare gives us themes for each week of a month, and we are required to base our lesson plans from them. We are required to include art, dramatic play, sensory play, science/math, and group time. Nothing has to be in that order of course. But as you can see, the Director is expecting a lot out of this class and I am at a loss when trying to find lesson plan ideas that fit this age level while working with a large group.

Any help, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Angelsj]

I am home daycare, so take this with a grain of salt, but with that age group, I think I would try to set up the "theme" in a safe style that allowed the kids to play fairly freely, and choose their own activity. Have the activities follow the theme, but let the children choose which activity to do.

Wander to a variety of groups and use guidance. Talk about what the kids are doing, ask questions, watch for signs of arguing and guide that behavior, basically supplement. You can use your regular schedule to tone things down and change the flow. Outside time mixed with center time, or group time.

If I had complete free reign, it would go something like this:
8-8:30 (arrival) breakfast
8:30-8:45 group (circle times, songs, talk about theme, hellos)
8:45- 9:30 centers /free play
9:30- 10:15 outside time
10:15- 10:45 centers then cleanup
11:00 - 11:45 lunch then get ready for nap
12-2 nap time (we read a story or two before nap time)
2- 2:30 snack
2:30- 3:30 outside (less if the weather is quite cold, but still active time)
3:30 -4:15 center time/art time
Cleanup and pick up

As long as your centers contain the appropriate items (dress up, science/math, language play, writing, sensory, etc) what the children choose to do is on the curriculum. You are just the facilitator to their learning.

Take note, however. If you sit down to do something even remotely interesting, chances are most of them will flock to you. You can use that to your advantage if you like. You have the theme for an entire month, so you can always "use" one of the centers yourself everyday to encourage them to use something they are neglecting and further their learning.

[Michael]

While doing research I found this Toddler Schedule from Georgia Licensing.

TODDLER/TWO SCHEDULE

6:00 – 8:30 Children arrive, greeting; routine care begins (diapering, toileting, feeding). As children arrive, individually selected activities begin.

8:20 – 8:30 Children prepare for breakfast.

8:30 – 9:00 BREAKFAST. Clean – up

9: 00 – 9:10 Morning Songs and movement activities

9:10 – 9: 45 Individual routine care continues (diapering and toileting). Planned experiences and self-selected activities for children begin. Scheduled gross motor room or outdoor time. Other activities include, but are not limited to: fine motor, cooperative play, dramatic play, problem solving and other group activities.

9:45 – 10:00 SNACK/Clean up

10:00 – 10:10 Carpet time (transition)

10:10 – 10:50 Individual routine care continues (diapering and toileting). Planned experiences and self-selected activities for children, including but not limited to: fine motor, cooperative play, dramatic play, problem solving, art, water play, etc.

10:50 – 11:00 Diapering/Toileting – preparation for lunch

11:00 – 11:30 LUNCH

11:30 – 11:45 Story time (transition)

11:45 – 12:00 Diapering/Toileting – preparation for nap

12:00 – 2:00 NAP

2:00 – 2:45 Scattered Awakening. Diapering/Toileting – preparation for snack

2:00 – 3:15 SNACK – as children continue to awaken. Planned experiences and self-selected activities.

3:15 – 3:30 Diapering/Toileting

3:30 – 4:10 Large Motor Room/Outdoor time

4:10 – 4:20 Diapering/Toileting

4:20 – 4:45 Planned experiences and self-selected activities.

4:45 – 5:00 Diapering/Toileting. Preparation for late afternoon snack.

5:00 – 5:30 SNACK/Clean-up

5:30 – 6:00 Quiet activities – books, puzzles, music

Note that time at activities and experiences will vary with the child. Although times are designated, this is a “rolling” schedule. Transition activities are not a required part of routine that must follow timelines. These are suggestions of activities to keep children entertained and assist them through transitions. Children should NOT be prepped and waiting for the next item on the schedule to begin.

[kendallina]

14 toddlers in one room sounds crazy!! Agh... No advice.....just Agh!!!