TODDLER PROGRAM • 18 MONTHS–3 YEARS
cBuilding Confidence Through Play & Exploration
Childcare Toddler Program (18months - 3 Years) in Craigieburn
The toddler years are a wonderful time of curiosity, exploration and growing independence. At Early Foundation Childcare, our toddler program provides a warm and supportive environment where children can explore their interests, develop relationships and learn through meaningful play experiences.
We understand that every child develops at their own pace. Our educators take the time to understand each child’s interests, strengths and individual needs while providing age-appropriate experiences that encourage curiosity, communication, confidence and growing independence.
A Nurturing Toddler Learning Environment
Our toddler program in Craigieburn provides opportunities for children to learn through play, exploration and everyday experiences. Educators build responsive relationships with children and encourage them to express their ideas, communicate their needs and participate in experiences at their own pace.
Our approach supports children’s:
- Social and emotional development
- Communication and language
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Confidence and independence
- Creativity and imagination
- Curiosity and exploration
- Early problem-solving skills
- Positive relationships with others
We aim to create an environment where children feel safe, known and supported, giving them the confidence to explore, communicate and try new things.
(18 months – 3 years)
Where curiosity grows, independence blooms, and big feelings feel safe
Our Childcare Centre’s Toddlers Program is designed for active, curious little learners who are discovering language, movement, social interaction and their growing sense of self. With responsive educators, calm routines and meaningful learning experiences, toddlers build confidence, independence and strong early skills.
We balance guided play with child-led exploration, grounded in Montessori principles and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
A Day in Our Toddlers Room
Predictable routines that feel safe
Educators model conversation, introduce new vocabulary, read stories, sing songs and support early sentences.
Language-rich environment
Educators model conversation, introduce new vocabulary, read stories, sing songs and support early sentences.
Hands-on exploration
Toddlers learn best through doing. Our experiences include:
• Water & sensory play
• Fine-motor trays
• Messy art exploration
• Loose parts play
• Construction & problem-solving activities
Emotional development & self-expression
We support toddlers in learning:
• how to express needs
• how to regulate big feelings
• how to build early friendships
• how to share and take turns (with support!)
Music, movement & outdoor play
Daily opportunities allow them to climb, run, balance and build their motor skills in a safe and stimulating environment.
What Learning Looks Like for Toddlers
Our program nurtures key developmental milestones:
- Early language and communication
- Social confidence & early friendships
- Emotional awareness and self-regulation
- Imaginative play and creativity
- Gross motor skills: climbing, balancing, running
- Fine motor skills: drawing, threading, stacking
- Cognitive skills: problem-solving, early numbers, shapes & patterns
- Independence: self-feeding, packing away, dressing assistance
Toddlers are natural scientists, constantly testing ideas, experimenting with materials and learning cause and effect through play.
Our Environment for Toddlers
We design spaces that encourage safe independence:
- Low shelves and accessible materials
- Defined play zones for calm transitions
- Sensory and quiet corners
- Nature-inspired resources
- Purpose-built toddler bathrooms to support toilet learning
- A secure outdoor environment designed for early explorers
Family Communication
You’ll receive:
- Daily updates
- Photos and videos of learning
- Notes on routines (meals, naps, toileting)
- Educator insights into developmental progress
We work closely with families on routines, toilet learning, behaviour guidance and developmental milestones.
Toilet Learning Support
When your child shows readiness, our educators support:
- Independence in toileting
- Consistent routines between home and centre
- Positive reinforcement
- Gentle, pressure-free guidance
Toddler Daycare Activities for 2-Year-Olds
Our toddler daycare activities for 2-year-olds are thoughtfully planned around children’s interests and may include:
Experiences may include:
- Outdoor exploration and nature play
- Sensory experiences
- Creative arts and expression
- Water and sand play
- Storytelling and shared reading
- Music, singing and movement
- Building and construction play
- Imaginative and role play
- Simple discovery experiences
- Group games and social experiences
These experiences can support communication, coordination, creativity, social interaction and growing independence while allowing children to enjoy learning through play.
A Play-Based Learning Approach
Play is an important way for toddlers to discover the world around them. Our childcare toddler program provides hands-on experiences that encourage children to investigate, experiment, communicate and express themselves.
Educators observe children’s interests and use these observations to create meaningful learning opportunities. Children are encouraged to participate in both individual and group experiences while developing confidence through play.
Supporting Wellbeing and Individual Development
At Early Foundation Childcare, we recognise that toddlers are developing new skills every day. Some children may be eager to explore independently, while others may need more reassurance and encouragement.
Our educators provide responsive support and familiar routines to help children feel secure. By recognising each child’s individual interests and developmental stage, we can provide experiences that encourage participation and confidence without expecting every child to develop in the same way.
Building Positive Relationships
Relationships are an important part of the toddler years. Children have opportunities to interact with educators and other children, practise sharing and cooperation, and begin developing an understanding of their emotions and those of others.
Educators also support children as they begin learning to recognise emotions, express their needs and navigate early social interactions with others.
Educators work closely with families to understand each child’s routines, comfort needs, eating and sleep patterns, and emerging independence. This helps create greater consistency between home and the centre.
Foundations for Future Learning
Our toddler program focuses on giving children positive experiences that encourage curiosity and confidence. Through play, relationships and exploration, children can develop skills that form foundations for their ongoing learning journey.
At this stage, learning is centred around play, relationships, communication and growing independence rather than formal academic instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our childcare toddler program is designed for children in the 2–3 year age group. Families can contact Early Foundation Childcare for information about current age requirements and enrolment arrangements.
Our program follows a play-based approach guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Children learn through relationships, exploration, play and meaningful everyday experiences.
Our toddler daycare activities for 2 year olds may include sensory play, storytelling, music and movement, creative experiences, outdoor exploration, imaginative play, construction and nature-based activities.
Educators observe children’s interests, interactions and development to provide experiences that are appropriate to their individual needs, strengths and stage of learning.
We value strong family partnerships and encourage open communication with parents and carers. Sharing information about children’s interests, experiences and development helps educators provide learning experiences that are meaningful to each child.
Supporting Your Toddler's Early Learning Journey
At Early Foundation Childcare, our toddler program provides a warm and nurturing environment where children can explore, build relationships, develop confidence and grow in independence at their own pace. If you are looking for a supportive childcare toddler program in Craigieburn, we would love to welcome your family for a tour and show you how we support children during this important stage of development.
Ready for the Toddler Room?
Our Childcare Centre’s Toddlers Program helps children grow confident, capable and connected. Ready for the next big step in their early learning journey?
