Toddler Daycare Program
The toddler years are full of movement, curiosity, and rapid development. Children are learning to walk with confidence, communicate their needs, and explore the world around them. At First Years University Preschool & Daycare, our Toddler Daycare Program supports this exciting stage with structure, patience, and hands-on learning.
Designed for children 15 months to 2 years, our toddler daycare provides a safe, engaging environment where independence begins and confidence grows.
Daycare for toddlers focused on exploration and movement
Toddlers learn by doing. Our daycare classrooms are designed to encourage safe exploration, physical movement, and discovery throughout the day.
Our toddler daycare program supports:
- Gross motor development through movement and play
- Exploration in a safe, supervised environment
- Building confidence through repetition and routine
- Learning cause and effect through hands-on experiences
Teachers guide toddlers as they test boundaries, try new skills, and gain independence.
Early learning for toddlers through play-based daycare activities
At this age, learning happens through play, language, and connection. Our toddler daycare curriculum introduces early learning concepts in a natural, developmentally appropriate way.
Daily toddler daycare activities include:
- Music, singing, and rhythm
- Language-rich interactions and story time
- Sensory play with textures, colors, and sounds
- Simple problem-solving and discovery play
These experiences support early communication, cognitive development, and curiosity—without pressure or overstimulation.
Social and emotional development in toddler daycare
Toddlerhood is often the first time children begin interacting regularly with peers. Our daycare teachers help toddlers navigate early social experiences with guidance, consistency, and care.
We focus on:
- Building early social skills and cooperation
- Supporting separation anxiety with reassurance
- Helping toddlers express emotions through words and gestures
- Gentle redirection and positive reinforcement
Strong relationships with caregivers help toddlers feel safe as they learn to engage with others.
Toddler routines that build independence
Daily routines play a major role in toddler development. Our daycare program uses consistent schedules to help toddlers understand expectations and feel secure.
Toddlers are supported as they:
- Practice self-help skills like hand washing and cleanup
- Follow simple directions
- Transition between activities with confidence
- Begin making small choices independently
These routines help prepare children for the structure of the Two-Year-Old Program and beyond.
Experienced toddler daycare teachers parents trust
Our toddler daycare teachers are trained in early childhood development and understand the unique needs of this age group. Many hold college degrees and bring experience working with toddlers in licensed daycare environments.
Families value our:
- Patient, attentive caregivers
- Consistent communication with parents
- Focus on safety and emotional well-being
- Warm, nurturing classroom culture
We believe trust and consistency are essential in toddler daycare.
A toddler daycare program that grows with your child
The Toddler Program is part of a connected daycare pathway at First Years University. Children move smoothly from infant care into toddler daycare and then into the Two-Year-Old Program, supported by familiar teachers and environments.
This continuity helps toddlers feel confident and secure as they grow.
Toddler daycare in Park Forest, IL
First Years University Preschool & Daycare proudly provides toddler daycare in Park Forest, IL, serving families seeking high-quality childcare and early learning in a safe, licensed daycare setting.
Program age: 15 months–2 years
Licensed daycare center
Full-day care available, Monday–Friday
Schedule a tour of our toddler daycare program
Choosing toddler daycare is an important step for your child and your family. We invite you to visit our center, meet our teachers, and see how our program supports learning, independence, and growth.
Schedule a tour today to learn more about our toddler daycare and early learning program.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about our toddler daycare program and what families can expect.
What age group is the toddler daycare program designed for?
Our toddler daycare program serves children 15 months through 2 years old. During this stage, children begin walking, communicating more clearly, and exploring their environment. Our program supports these milestones through structured routines, play-based learning, and attentive guidance from experienced teachers.
What types of activities do toddlers participate in during the day?
Toddlers participate in hands-on, play-based activities that support early development. Daily experiences include music and singing, story time, sensory play, movement activities, and simple discovery play that encourages curiosity, communication, and early problem-solving skills.
How does toddler daycare support social and emotional development?
Our teachers help toddlers build early social skills and emotional awareness through guided interaction with peers. Children learn cooperation, practice expressing feelings, and receive gentle redirection when needed. Strong relationships with caregivers help toddlers feel secure as they learn to interact with others.
How does the toddler program help children build independence?
Our toddler daycare program uses consistent daily routines that encourage independence. Children practice simple self-help skills like hand washing, cleaning up toys, following directions, and transitioning between activities. These routines help toddlers gain confidence and prepare for the next stage of early learning.