Parents attend class with their child one day per week, allowing them to learn alongside their children. Children experience a safe and supportive environment where they can develop a sense of trust with teachers (and other adults) and interact with other children.
![child lego play](img/MVPNS_Parent-Child_Toddler_Program_1.jpg)
Outdoors, a large yard allows children to move freely and participate in a wide variety of experiences which help them develop their gross motor skills. The outdoor environment also allows for many different tactile experiences: sandbox play and sensory table activities along with a variety of open-ended art experiences encourage creativity, fine motor development, and sensory exploration.
Indoors, there are a variety of manipulatives, such as puzzles and blocks, which allow children to develop their fine motor and cognitive skills, and a quiet area where children can explore books. A play kitchen encourages role playing and imaginative play. Stories, songs, finger-plays and movement are introduced, especially at circle time.
![children wagon play](img/MVPNS_Parent-Child_Toddler_Program_2.jpg)
The toddler program is designed specifically for the developmental level of toddlers, and allows parents the opportunity to share in their child’s first school experience in a safe, supportive, interactive, and engaging manner. Emotionally, toddlers are trying out new ideas and exploring their surroundings while staying close to their parent as a base of support and trust. Socially, toddlers are interested in other children, yet engage mostly in parallel play with their classmates. They come together at circle time and snack/story time as they begin to learn how to be part of a group. Parent education is integrated each week through readings, observations, lectures, and discussions.