Fostering FriendshipTeachers Ryan and Maria 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.
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Language DevelopmentThroughout 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.
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Early Math and ScienceDynamic 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.
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Toddler Room Daily Schedule09:05 am Open Choice Play, Art, Movement
09:50 am Group Time: Stories, Songs 10:05 am Diapers/Potty 10:20 am Snack, Stories 10:40 am Outside Time, Rain or Shine 11:55 am Diapers/Potty 12:10 pm Lunch, Stories 12:35 pm Choice Play, Movement 12:50 pm Pick-up |
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Maria Guillén AlvaradoBeing part of a co-op community is a special experience — it’s where I first discovered my love for early education! I enjoy the playfulness and deep social-emotional growth that this age group brings, and I enjoy getting to experience that growth alongside families.
I have worked in education since my first assistant teaching experience in Missoula, MT. Though I’ve worked in nonprofit education and elementary programs, early education will always have my heart! I love learning through play, and have enjoyed adopting it into my own life through various creative endeavors. I enjoy reading, birdwatching, and finding new music. |
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Ryan PotterI've been an active part of the SWPCC community since 2010, first as a parent. After experiencing the community and realizing how much I enjoyed early childhood education, I knew I had to stay involved. I have substitute taught for the co-op since 2014 and became the Toddler Room Co-Teacher in 2024.
I enjoy leading group activities, guiding developmental play, and fostering a nurturing learning environment grounded in respect and curiosity. Through working with kids and families for so long, I've had a lot of experience supporting transitions like potty learning, social development, and routine-building, which definitely comes in handy in our Toddler Room. |
