2 years old by September 1

Making Friends During Play

SWPCC helps even our youngest children develop friendships. We nurture the basic curiosity and interest that toddlers have in one another, and teach specific skills to support making friends. We provide many daily opportunities for taking turns, listening to others, joining in groups, asserting oneself, handling conflict, and showing empathy for others.

Learning About Language Through Play

Throughout the toddler day we use books, stories, dramatic play, signs, songs, rhymes, and specific vocabulary to impart the building blocks for successful reading and use of language. The children listen to books at group time and during meals. They practice holding books, turning the pages, and reading to friends, even taking turns pretending to be the teacher. We play letter- and name-recognition games, write messages and signs, and give the children the materials to do their own writing and make their own books.

Playing with Early Math and Science

Dynamic toddler play is full of early math and science! We use familiar objects and events from the classroom and playgrounds to notice, wonder and explore. We work at counting (forward and backward), and act directly with toys and materials to learn concepts such as more/less, matching, time, size, shape, patterns. Through handling toys and acting on materials, the children learn the vocabulary of science: ideas, predict, plan, investigate, collect, compare, organize, and experiment. When the children’s questions and ideas are treated with respect and curiosity, the entire group learns, and interests deepen.

Toddler Room Daily Schedule
9:05a Open Choice Play, Art, Movement
9:50a Group Time: Stories, Songs
10:05a Diapers/Potty
10:20a Snack, Stories
10:40a Outside Time, Rain or Shine
11:55a Diapers/Potty
12:10p Lunch, Stories
12:35p Choice Play, Movement
12:50p Pick-up

Teacher Sharon

Teacher Kaitlyn

I love working with young children because it allows me to rediscover wonder, cultivate joy and patience, and also has the extraordinary power to bring me back to the present.   I believe that in early childhood education, the child is the curriculum.  A wonderful benefit of the cooperative school model is to offer a space where children are encouraged to learn about who they are and discover the world around them. 

I have lived in Oregon for about 10 years now, but this is just one of the 8 states I’ve lived in across the country.  I received my B.S. in Environmental Education from Purdue University, and I have a wide range of previous teaching experience in preschool-grade 8.  I am married with two young daughters.   My older daughter, Lillian, attended a more traditional preschool and our local public school kindergarten.  In contrast, my younger daughter, Violet, just finished up at a cooperative school for preschool, preK and Kindergarten.  During our family time at the co-op, I served in a number of parent volunteer roles, including serving on the Governing Board.  I loved my time as a cooperative school parent and I look forward to continuing my adventure in cooperative teaching!

In my free time, I like to travel, stay physically fit, craft, bake, read, and spend time in the great outdoors.  ​

Life in the Toddler Room is fun, adventurous, at times thoughtful and quiet, but always busy!  Throughout the year friendships are formed and trust and confidence is built.  By the end of the year a group of lively toddlers surrounds the table at meal times and share their thoughts freely.  It is a place that is a joy for me to be. 

I have been a parent at SWPCC for 5 years while my three children have attended (and continue to attend).  I have spent at least several years in each of the rooms and appreciated each step of the journey.  Being a parent in the classroom, having the opportunity to watch your child play, learn and grow with peers is a once in a lifetime experience. While your child is learning from peers, you too, will have the opportunity to learn from your peers, teachers and children. The ability to connect with fellow parents allowed our young family to learn and share many milestones together.  A truly invaluable experience.

I am from Virginia but have made Portland my home since 1999.  While my life has been anchored by my family I have also spent many years as a baker.  Working with my hands and decorating cakes has always been so satisfying for me.  Our family life is busy but I do like to find time for exercise, gardening, and cooking.