Your 2-Year-Old

• I Belong Here

  A sense of community. As your toddler grows, he’s beginning to understand what that means…and how he fits in. When he’s given the opportunity to be part of cultural or social celebrations, he can see that he’s part of something bigger than just him. And watch as he observes others. He’s beginning to notice – and question! – both the similarities and differences he sees among himself and his peers.

  Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care
  

  A healthy child care setting includes individuals, family and the community. Notice whether children can identify and embrace the differences between themselves and others without judgment or negativity. Listen to whether teachers speak about self, family and culture.

• I’m Making Memories

  She gets excited when you drive by the courthouse with the bright city flag. She knows by her surroundings when you’re about to arrive at her favorite store. She’s eager to move from play time to lunch time — especially when her tummy grumbles. Your toddler may not be able to express to you everything she recognizes and remembers about her environment and routines, but her memory of those things is expanding in very impressive and fast ways!

  Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care
  

  The routines and transitions in child care are important. Does the teacher plan and communicate accordingly to enable children to adapt to and anticipate the schedule? Do the children (in general) follow the established boundaries of the classroom setting?

• I Know Where I Am

  “I go school.” “We go home.” Your toddler knows where he wants to be! And when he’s in familiar surroundings, he understands where certain things are stored – like the toys in his closet and the pans in the kitchen. And sometimes when he’s in one place and thinking of another, he’ll act out his adventures through imaginative play!

  Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care
  

  How familiar are the children with their physical environment? They should know where materials are stored, where hallways lead, and where other rooms exist. And when something new is introduced into the environment, teachers should use the appropriate vocabulary to identify and discuss changes.

• I’d Like to Buy These, Please

  “I’d like some eggs, please.” Your toddler giggles as you hand her play money to complete your transaction. And then she hands your “eggs” to you in return. She is starting to understand the economic transactions that take place in her everyday world, and she’s ready to act them out! She also recognizes many of the people she sees regularly in her community – from her favorite police officer to the bus driver to the convenience store cashier.

  Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care
  

  Have you witnessed any dramatic play that mimics a child’s daily activities, such as the re-enactment of a grocery store purchase? Are these interactions treated as learning tools, and are the children supported in building the communication skills that enable them to express their desires?

• I know How Bedtime Goes

  Your little citizen is learning more about being a part of a community. Routines are a big part of her world – from bedtime processes to meal times. With help from you and other adults, she is both following those routines and sharing her ideas details. So, she may know that you’ll read two books together each night — and she’ll know which books she wants to cuddle up with.

  Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care
  

  Great programs help children understand routines with kind and consistent guidance. Do you hear lots of reminders about what activity is coming next and clear opportunities for children to share their ideas about parts of the day? "After clean up, we get ready for nap. Do you want to put your cup away or clear your plate first?"

• Share & Care

  At bedtime or at dinner, have everyone share about their day “What did you do when you went to the park?” Help your child to recall and describe recent events. It seems simple, but asking these questions will create links and connections for your child.

• Me Too!

  To help your little one understand how he belongs to many communities, talk about the different “groups” in your life. “We are going to grandma’s. The whole family will be there. Can you draw me a picture of everyone who will be there?” Other groups to discuss include school, neighborhood and friend groups.