Toddler Curriculum

(Two- and Three-Year-Olds | Ages 18–36 Months)

At Sammie’s Sunshine Academy, our Toddler Program for two- and three-year-olds supports children during a stage of rapid growth in language, independence, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Our curriculum is play-based, developmentally appropriate, and individualized, providing toddlers with the structure they need and the freedom to explore.

We intentionally focus on school readiness foundations while honoring each child’s developmental pace.

Our Approach

Our Toddler Curriculum aligns with Indiana child care licensing expectations by providing:

  • Consistent yet flexible daily routines

  • Supervised age-appropriate learning experiences

  • Guidance that supports independence while ensuring health and safety

Learning occurs through play, exploration, daily routines, and intentional interactions, rather than formal academic instruction.

Developmental Focus Areas

🧠 Cognitive Development

  • Problem-solving through hands-on exploration

  • Sorting, matching, and simple classification activities

  • Early exposure to colors, shapes, numbers, and patterns

🗣️ Language & Communication

  • Daily story time, songs, and group conversations

  • Vocabulary development through repetition and modeling

  • Encouragement of expressive language and listening skills

💪 Physical Development

  • Large-motor activities such as running, climbing, dancing, and outdoor play

  • Fine-motor practice through drawing, stacking, puzzles, and self-help tasks

  • Frequent opportunities for movement throughout the day

❤️ Social & Emotional Development

  • Support for sharing, turn-taking, and cooperative play

  • Guidance in identifying and expressing emotions appropriately

  • Consistent caregiver responses to support emotional regulation and confidence

👉 Contact Us With Questions

Toddler Program

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • We encourage toddlers to practice age-appropriate self-help abilities, including:

    • Handwashing and hygiene routines

    • Cleaning up materials

    • Feeding themselves with utensils

    • Participating in toileting routines as they are ready

    Caregivers assist while respecting each child’s individual developmental readiness.

  • We use positive guidance to nurture social–emotional development. This includes:

    • Modeling respectful communication

    • Redirection and encouragement

    • Guiding emotional expression and peer interaction

    Discipline is never punitive and always focuses on teaching, care, and understanding.

  • Our environment reflects Christ-like love and values through:

    • Songs that promote kindness and gratitude

    • Encouraging, positive language

    • Caregivers modeling patience, compassion, and respect

    Faith isn’t taught through formal lessons at this age but is expressed through loving actions and daily interactions.

  • Our curriculum is play-based, developmentally appropriate, and individualized, aligning with Indiana child care licensing expectations. Learning happens through guided play, daily routines, explorations, and meaningful caregiver interactions—not formal academic instruction.

  • Toddlers build skills in several key areas:

    • Cognitive: problem-solving, sorting, patterns

    • Language: vocabulary building, storytelling, conversations

    • Physical: gross- and fine-motor development

    • Social–Emotional: sharing, turn-taking, cooperation

    • Independence: self-help skills like handwashing and feeding

  • Item deA typical day may include:

    • Meals and snacks following family guidance and licensing guidelines

    • Diapering and toileting support with proper sanitation

    • Indoor and outdoor play

    • Music, movement, and story time

    • Hands-on learning centers

    • Rest or quiet time tailored to individual needs

    All activities are supervised and conducted in a safe, age-appropriate way.scription

  • Families choose Sammie’s Sunshine Academy’s Toddler Program because it offers:

    • Play-based, developmentally aligned experiences

    • Emphasis on independence and self-help

    • Indiana licensing-aligned routines and supervision

    • Positive behavior support

    • Faith-centered care rooted in love and respect

    • Consistent communication and family partnership

Access the Toddler Supply Checklist