Ages 1-2: Waddler Classrooms at Northwest Center Kids Early Learning
Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos
Our Waddler classroom is a busy place where children explore interesting books, toys, and activities and develop relationships with friends and caregivers. Our teachers and classroom environment encourage Waddlers to build confidence and begin learning independent skills, with plenty of imagination and fun. Some of the ways Waddlers learn include:
- Playing with cause-and-effect toys (where the child’s actions cause a toy to rattle, pop up, or play music)
- Playing pretend with baby dolls, dress-up clothing, cars, and blocks
- Joining groups for songs, finger plays, and storybooks
- Scheduled outside time to practice mobility and explore
- Exploring a variety of materials including paint, crayons, and chalk
- Practicing independence skills, such as washing hands, using utensils and cups, and eventually cleaning up dishes after mealtimes. (We understand learning all of these new skills takes time and practice, so we are flexible and encourage open communication with families.)
Inside our Waddler Classroom
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Waddler-age children begin to develop interests and make choices. In the Northwest Center Kids Waddlers classroom, immersive play options include “cooking” in a play kitchen, or dancing and playing instruments in a music area.
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There are lots of opportunities for sensory experiences where children can play with and manipulate water, bubbles, sand, leaves, and more.
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We nurture newfound artistic abilities with paint and art materials and provide hands-on activities for curious little scientists
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Regular story time supports early literacy.
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Waddlers enjoy exploring music through singing and dance.
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Our Waddler classroom is always full of energy, excitement, and humor, but we also offer children quiet moments to snuggle up with a book or stuffed animal.
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Waddlers engage with one another using an ever-expanding combination of sign language and verbal communication.
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Children learn independent skills such as washing hands before meals.
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Children and staff share family-style meals to promote healthy eating habits right from the start. Vegetarian breakfasts, lunches, and snacks are prepared on-site and offer a variety of meal choices and an assortment of colors and textures.
Disability-Inclusive Early Learning that Benefits Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers of All Abilities
With expertise in disability inclusion and an innovative approach to early childhood education going back to 1965, Northwest Center Kids Early Learning is proud to provide caring and inclusive daycare to children with and without disabilities in Seattle. We believe disability-inclusive childcare benefits children of all abilities and that all early learning educators can successfully include children with disabilities and challenging behaviors. We encourage you to learn about our early learning curriculum and to explore how you can make your preschool, daycare, or childcare inclusive through our IMPACT online courses and consultations.