Toddlers & Early PreSchool

Open Arms Learning for Toddlers and Early Preschool

Quality child care begins with quality programming.

​The One In Christ curriculum gives Toddlers and Early Preschoolers the opportunity to grow and thrive in a christian environment while meeting their developmental levels.  The curriculum uses a research-based content approach to early learning based on leading theorists in the field such as Vygotsky, Erikson, Piaget, Maslow, and Gardner.  The Toddler level offers twelve themed units that go through the Bible chronologically with weekly Bible stories; they correspond with themes tied to the calendar year.   The Early Preschool level is arranged in twelve themed units that take students through the Bible chronologically with weekly Bible narratives.  Each weekly lesson contains a Bible verse that relates to the themes and applications of that lesson.

Units of Learning in Toddlers and Early Preschool

We follow the Georgia Early Learning Development Standards (GELDS)

• Approaches to Learning
• Cognitive (Arts, Science, Social Studies)
• Language
• Physical (fine and gross motor)
• Social and Emotional

In the Toddler and Early Preschool programs each child’s developmental growth and development are assessed on an ongoing basis.  Each child is assessed on their developmental skills using anecdotal notes, artifacts, and observations.  Parent-Teacher Conferences are held for each child twice yearly.  The teachers use the information collected in the Child Profile to individualize instruction so that the growth of each child is maximized.

Teachers use the Shutterfly app to post activities of the children in the classroom.

Faith-Based Values

The Christian message of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness is the foundation of all learning at Open Arms. The Toddler and Early Preschool program at Open Arms encourages children to grow in all developmental areas while experiencing God’s love.  On a daily basis there is a Bible lesson, carried out through music & movement, language development, motor skills activities, creative arts, social/emotional development, sensory exploration, and outdoor play.  The children also attend chapel every Wednesday with the pastor where age appropriate materials are used to teach God’s word.  Most importantly, the teachers at Open Arms incorporate Christ’s love into their lesson plans and demonstrate His love throughout each and every day.

Safe, Secure, and Nurturing Environment, children in the Toddler program are developing communication and academic skills and learning self-help skills, such as table manners, toilet care, and dressing themselves. Social skills such as sharing toys and positive interactions with peers are stressed throughout the day. The positive atmosphere in the toddler room enhances a child’s good feelings about him/herself and those around them.

For Toddlers and EPS, play is their work and learning evolves from it.  Learning and interest centers are an active part of the curriculum. Books are read to the children every day. The children have opportunities to work in small groups with the teacher’s guidance.  The children have the opportunity to play outside daily. Our playground is age appropriate and beautiful. As we plan our day, we keep in mind that children need a balance of free and directed play. We enjoy what we plan to do with the children and our enjoyment transfers to them.

The Early Preschool class continues the potty training process once parents have introduced the potty to their child.