Baby Talk - Toddler Class

Here are a few things to consider when looking for a good-fit toddler class for you and your child.

• Age-Appropriate Activities – Toddlers explore the world through their senses, whether it be an art, music, exercise, or any other type of class. Exploring, rather than creating a finished project, is key to toddler development. A finished painting or a memorized song should not be the goal of a toddler class. The repetition of activities from class-to-class supports learning, so this should be a component of the curriculum.

• Ideal Time of Day – Every mom knows the time of day that is best for their toddler. This is the optimum time for your child to attend a class. Engaging with others and participating in learning activities is most beneficial when your child can enjoy the experience. A tired, hungry, or cranky toddler cannot take advantage of the class. So, if your toddler takes a long afternoon nap, a morning activity is the way to go.

• Type of Environment – An important consideration in selecting a toddler program is the number of children attending and the length of the class. Too long of an activity may result in boredom or over-stimulation, while too short of a time can lead to frustration. A general rule of thumb for a toddler class is one hour. Smaller is generally better when it comes to group size.

• Teacher Qualifications – A warm, caring, and engaging personality, combined with leadership and organizational skills are ideal qualities for a teacher. A love and understanding of children, of course, is number one!

What suggestions do you have for selecting a toddler class? Please, share.