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Sycamore Toddler Programs

“If there is one piece of advice I would offer parents regarding play and early academics, it would be to relax and stop hurrying their children. Children have such deep resources for growth and learning that with good nurture and reasonable help most will succeed wonderfully.” — Joan Almon, Waldorf Educator

At Fremont Community School’s Sycamore Childcare Center, our toddler programs are designed to honor each stage of growth between infancy and preschool.

From early walkers to confident young communicators, we offer a sequence of nurturing, developmentally aligned classrooms:

Waddler Program (approx. 12–18 months) – gentle exploration and early movement

Ladybug Program (approx. 16–24 months) – growing independence and social awareness

Chickadee Program (around 2 years) – confidence, cooperation, and joyful learning

All three programs are guided by Waldorf-inspired care, blending rhythm, nature, and play with warmth and respect for the wonder of early childhood.

Our Shared Philosophy

Across all toddler classrooms, our care is grounded in **Waldorf principles** and **respect for childhood.

We emphasize:

  • Love and warmth

  • Creative, artistic experiences

  • Meaningful work and imitation

  • Free, imaginative play

  • Reverence and gratitude

  • Joy, humor, and wonder

  • Care for the environment and the senses

We see ourselves as an extension of each child’s home — a *“home away from home”* where children are nurtured with consistency, compassion, and respect for their unfolding growth.

Parent Connection

We value strong communication between home and school. Families receive updates, photos, and notes through the Brightwheel App, so you can stay connected to your child’s day. Teachers and administrators are always available to discuss your child’s growth, routines, and transitions.

Waddler Program

Where curiosity and movement begin. Our Waddler Room welcomes children who are newly walking and eager to explore. The environment is calm, safe, and rich in sensory experiences — designed to support movement, imitation, and connection.

Teachers “breathe through the day,” balancing gentle structure with open-ended play. Waddlers are supported in finding rhythm, joy, and comfort in a world that is becoming bigger every day.

Highlights:

  • Building trust through consistent care and loving relationships

  • Encouraging movement, balance, and gross motor coordination

  • Developing early communication through songs, sign language, and conversation

  • Supporting self-help and early independence with patience and guidance

Rhythm of the Day

  • Morning hellos, breakfast, and free play

  • Circle time with songs and finger plays

  • Outdoor exploration (rain or shine)

  • Shared meals and snacks

  • Rest time with soothing music and gentle care

  • Afternoon play and creative activities

For further information about our “Waddler” program click HERE.



Ladybug Program

Exploring independence, friendship, and joyful learning. Our Ladybugs are active, imaginative toddlers discovering the world through play, imitation, and new social experiences. The Ladybug classroom introduces a bit more structure, helping children build emotional awareness, self-help skills, and early friendships — all while keeping play at the heart of learning.Children at this stage are eager to test new skills and explore everything around them.

Teachers provide safety, encouragement, and space to experiment, always balancing freedom with rhythm and warmth.

Highlights

  • A balanced daily rhythm of circle time, outdoor play, art, and rest

  • Low teacher-child ratios for individual attention and connection

  • Emphasis on language development, using songs, stories, and sign language

  • Gentle positive guidance that teaches empathy and cooperation

  • Outdoor exploration in all seasons — puddle-jumping, leaf-collecting, and nature play

Our teachers model gratitude, humor, and wonder — building community through kindness and care.

A Typical Day

Our daily rhythm balances structure with freedom, allowing children to explore and rest naturally throughout the day.

  • Warm welcomes, breakfast, and gentle transitions into play

  • Circle time with songs, stories, and movement

  • Outdoor exploration and nature-based play

  • Shared meals that nurture gratitude and connection

  • Rest and quiet time with soft music and calm routines

  • Afternoon play, art, or sensory activities before pickup

For further information about our “Ladybugs” program click HERE.


Chickadee Program

Confidence, cooperation, and curiosity take flight. The Chickadee Room supports children around age two as they transition from toddlerhood toward preschool readiness. This stage is full of imagination, imitation, and newfound independence.

Teachers design experiences that nurture the whole child — physical, social, emotional, and cognitive.

Learning Through Experience

Chickadees thrive on doing things themselves — pouring water, sorting colors, building towers, and helping friends. Teachers guide these moments to build confidence, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

Focus Areas

  • Social & Emotional Growth: understanding feelings, learning cooperation, and practicing gentle communication.

  • Language Development:** expanding vocabulary, songs in English and Spanish, and storytelling.

  • Motor Development:** climbing, balancing, dancing, and fine-motor play.

  • Cognitive Growth:** early counting, sorting, and cause-and-effect play.

  • Self-Help Skills: dressing, washing hands, and early potty readiness.

The Rhythm of the Day

  • Morning welcome and breakfast

  • Circle time with music, stories, and movement

  • Outdoor play and sensory exploration

  • Family-style meals with teachers

  • Rest time and quiet activities

  • Afternoon art, nature, or music play

For further information about our “Chickadees” program click HERE.

Apply Here!

Want more information on the Sycamore Child Care? Contact us!