ONE: CAREGIVERS ENGAGE WITH YOUR TODDLER.
While away from home, it’s very important that your toddler’s caregivers are warm and nurturing. Luminous staff engage with toddlers and get them involved in inside and outdoor activities that promote learning how to solve problems, sharing, and stimulate their curiosity and imagination. Even while toddlers are playing with other kids, staff members make sure they pay attention to what’s happening in their class-rooms.
TWO: YOUR TODDLER’S CLASSROOM IS A WONDERLAND OF DISCOVERY!
As a toddler, your child is busy developing problem-solving, fine motor, and language skills, eye-hand coordination, recognizing colors, and counting just to name a few milestones. At Luminous Early Childhood Learning Centers, your toddler’s classroom contains activity centers that promote his/her development such as blocks, puzzles, books, pull and push toys, games, balls, art materials, (play dough, washable markers), child-size furniture, and toys that imitate real life (kitchen or tool sets).
THREE: YOUR PROVIDER’S TODDLER CURRICULUM IS NURTURING.
Luminous caregivers recognize that each child develops at his/her own pace. Toddlers need the freedom to move and be active throughout the day. Your child’s teacher observes your toddler and selects challenges that are not too hard or too easy —something he/she can do with a little help. Our curriculum promotes your toddler’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development. These are the markers of high-quality day care programs.
FOUR: TODDLER CLASSROOMS FOLLOW A DAILY SCHEDULE.
As your toddler arrives, we greet him or her with warm smiles. Kids eat breakfast and play quietly as their friends arrive and morning snacks are provided for those who arrive later. In the morning, teachers gather the group and read them a book or teach them a song before the kids go to activity centers. Afterward, the children are taken outside for morning play. After a nutritious lunch, the toddlers have a one-hour quiet time followed by a snack. Kids are given another opportunity to play outdoors and then come inside for a group activity and a final pick-up before leaving for home.
FIVE: YOUR TODDLER SPENDS TIME EXPLORING THE OUTDOORS!
Just like you, your toddler needs time away from busy routines to let off steam and spend time interacting with peers in the fresh air. Luminous provides an outdoor space where toddlers can safely develop good coordination and strength by climbing, running, jumping, chasing, and swinging! Using louder, outdoor voices is just fine!
SIX: CAREGIVERS WORK CLOSELY TOGETHER WITH FAMILIES.
The best child care programs for toddlers employ caregivers who warmly welcome families from all cultures, listen carefully, and recognize that parents/guardians/grandparents are the most important people in a child’s life – his/her very first teachers. Luminous staff are interested in your toddler’s individual personality and special needs, communicate often, and welcome visits – even without advance notice. If you work late and need support after hours, Luminous offers extended hours at some centers (7:30am – 6 pm).
SEVEN: LOOK FOR VOUCHERS THAT MAKE DAY CARE AFFORDABLE.
Vouchers can reduce the cost of day care to as little as $1 to $50 dollars per week per child depending on eligibility. Learn more about qualifying for HRA and ACS vouchers for our Bronx centers. Payment can also be made by SEIU/1199 Child Care, check, credit card, and through the Luminous reimbursement program. Contact the Luminous Early Childhood Learning Center at info@luminouschildcare.org or call us at 718-682-3650.
