Choosing the right environment for your child between 12 and 24 months is a major decision. This age is a magical bridge between infancy and the more structured preschool years. At Petits Poussins UES, our toddler program in New York City, New York, is specifically tailored to meet the unique developmental needs of toddlers.
We provide a warm, nurturing atmosphere where the French and English languages come to life through daily interaction. With a small class size of just 10 students and a dedicated team featuring both a French Native Speaker and an English Native Speaker, your child receives the personalized attention they need to flourish during this critical stage of language acquisition.
Social Emotional Growth and Physical Well-Being
At this age, learning how to interact with others is just as important as learning ABCs. Our program emphasizes Social and Emotional Development by helping toddlers navigate their first interactions with peers. Whether they are showing enjoyment by watching their friends or learning to recognize adult social cues, these moments build adaptive social behavior. We also place a high priority on Physical Well-Being and Motor Development. Our daily routine includes activities designed to sharpen gross motor skills (like walking and climbing) and fine motor skills (like grasping small objects or turning pages). By incorporating physical activity as a core part of the day, we ensure that children stay active, healthy, and engaged with their environment.
CURRICULUM SUMMARY
| Development of Language (In French and English) | Physical Well-Being, Health, and Motor Development | Social and Emotional Development | Approaches to Learning | Cognition and General Knowledge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receptive vocabulary Expressive vocabulary Grammar/Syntax Comprehension Listening skills |
Gross motor skills Fine motor skills Sensorimotor skills Daily Physical and Living skills |
Interactions with adults (shows affection for adults through facial expressions) Interactions with peers (shows enjoyment with other children by watching them) Adaptive social behavior ( recognizes that certain adult actions are associated with expected behavior) Curiosity (shows interest by exploring, manipulating, or staring at new objects in the environment) Initiative ( selects a book, toy, or item from several |
Curiosity (shows interest by exploring, manipulating, or staring at new objects in the environment) Initiative ( selects a book, toy, or item from several options |
Awareness of cause and effectProblem-solving Number and sense operations Scientific Thinking Scientific Knowledge History Geography |
CURRICULUM COMPONENTS
- Numerous age-appropriate, children-initiated projects
- Age-appropriate core topics selected by the teachers weekly
PARENTS-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
- “Meet the teachers” night (mid-September)
- Parent-Teachers conferences twice a year (along with 2 report cards)
- Parent-School communication app
- Educational reports and pictures are sent daily
- Parents’ board
PRINCIPLES & PHILOSOPHY
- Positive Reinforcement only
- Beyond our high learning expectations for our students, their safety and wellbeing is our number one priority
- Educational routine and program may be adapted to fit individual needs
- Physical activity is an important part of our daily routine
Toddlers Program
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AGE GROUP
12-24 months
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Class Size
10
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Class Duration
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 8:00am – 6:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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Staff
1 French Native Speaker, 1 English Native Speaker
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of a bilingual environment for toddlers under two?
Research indicates that children aged 12 to 24 months are in a “prime window” for language development. Being exposed to both French and English helps develop flexible thinking and better problem-solving skills. Toddlers at this age absorb sounds and rhythms naturally, allowing them to achieve native-like pronunciation more easily than older learners.
How do small class sizes impact a child’s early learning experience?
Small class sizes, such as a 10-student limit, ensure that each child receives individualized care and attention. For toddlers who are still developing their social skills and physical independence, having a high teacher-to-student ratio means their specific emotional and developmental needs are met promptly, fostering a greater sense of security.
What is the difference between gross motor and fine motor skills?
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles used for sitting, standing, walking, and running. Fine motor skills involve the smaller muscles in the hands and wrists, used for tasks like holding a crayon or picking up small pieces of food. A balanced early childhood curriculum provides activities to strengthen both, which is essential for physical independence.
What is the difference between receptive and expressive vocabulary in toddlers?
Receptive vocabulary refers to the words a child understands when they hear them, while expressive vocabulary refers to the words they can actually say. For toddlers, receptive language usually develops much faster; they might be able to follow a complex instruction in two languages long before they can speak full sentences. A balanced program focuses on building both through storytelling and daily conversation.
How can parents stay updated on their child’s daily activities at school?
Most modern early childhood centers use dedicated communication apps to bridge the gap between school and home. These apps allow teachers to send real-time updates, photos, and educational reports. This ensures parents are aware of their child’s eating habits, nap times, and the specific learning milestones they reached during the day.
Start Your Journey Today!
Searching for a nurturing preschool? From infancy through the preschool years, our bilingual program blends French and New York standards with supportive care for our youngest learners. We celebrate every child’s unique creativity through music, storytelling, and individualized attention. Ready to join our community?