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49 E. MIDLAND AVE. PARAMUS, NJ

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Toddler Program in Paramus, NJ | Active Learning for Ages 1-2 Years

Welcome to Emma Daycare’s toddler program, where curiosity meets careful guidance! The toddler years are magical—your little one is discovering their independence, developing language skills, and exploring everything within reach. Our Paramus toddler program is specifically designed to channel this natural curiosity into meaningful learning experiences.

For over 13 years, we’ve been helping Bergen County families navigate the wonderful (and sometimes challenging!) toddler years. Our experienced teachers understand that toddlers learn through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. We provide a structured yet flexible environment where your toddler can develop social skills, language abilities, motor coordination, and confidence.

Why Choose Emma's Toddler Program?

Learning Through Play & Exploration

Toddlers don’t learn from worksheets—they learn by doing! Our play-based curriculum includes:

  • Sensory exploration with safe materials (water play, sand, textures)
  • Building and stacking for problem-solving skills
  • Art experiences (painting, coloring, play dough)
  • Music and movement for gross motor development
  • Dramatic play for imagination and social skills
  • Outdoor play daily (weather permitting)

Language Development Focus

The toddler years are critical for language development. We support this through:

  • Constant conversation with teachers modeling language
  • Reading multiple books daily with small groups
  • Songs and fingerplays throughout the day
  • Vocabulary building during activities
  • Encouraging communication at all levels
  • Bilingual exposure (if applicable)

Social-Emotional Growth

Toddlers are learning to interact with others and manage big feelings. We teach:

  • Sharing and taking turns through guided play
  • Emotional recognition and labeling feelings
  • Conflict resolution with teacher support
  • Independence skills (feeding self, washing hands)
  • Following simple directions
  • Transitioning between activities

Potty Training Partnership

When your toddler shows readiness signs, we partner with you on potty training:

  • Consistent approach between home and school
  • Positive reinforcement and patience
  • Regular bathroom breaks throughout the day
  • Celebration of success without pressure
  • Communication about progress
  • Accidents handled matter-of-factly and kindly

A Day in Our Toddler Program

Morning Arrival & Free Play (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM)

Toddlers arrive and ease into the day with:

  • Warm greetings from familiar teachers
  • Free choice play with various centers open
  • Individual attention during transition from parent

Snack Time (9:20 AM – 9:40 AM)

Homemade morning snack served family-style

  • Practicing self-feeding skills
  • Conversation and social interaction
  • Learning table manners

Learning Centers & Activities (9:40 AM – 10:30 AM)

Toddlers rotate through various learning centers:

  • Blocks and building for spatial skills
  • Art table for creativity
  • Sensory bins for exploration
  • Dramatic play area (kitchen, dolls)
  • Books and quiet area
  • Manipulatives (puzzles, sorting toys)

Outdoor Play (10:30 AM – 11:15 AM)

Weather permitting:

  • Playground time with age-appropriate equipment
  • Riding toys and balls
  • Nature exploration
  • Gross motor activities
  • Fresh air and vitamin D!

Lunch Time (11:15 AM – 11:45 AM)

Hot, homemade lunch served daily

  • Balanced nutrition (see meal program page)
  • Self-feeding encouraged with help as needed
  • Conversation and social mealtime
  • Introducing new foods regularly

Nap Time (11:45 AM – 2:30 PM)

  • Individual cots in quiet, darkened room
  • Soft music or white noise
  • Comfort items if desired
  • Flexibility for different sleep needs
  • Quiet activities for early risers

Wake Up & Snack (2:30 PM – 3:00 PM)

  • Gentle wake-up process (no-rushing)
  • Bathroom break/diaper changes
  • Afternoon snack provided
  • Calm transition activities

Afternoon Activities (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

  • More learning center time
  • Special activities (art projects, science experiments)
  • Second outdoor play (weather permitting)
  • Free play and  social interaction
  • Small group activities

Pick-Up & Wind Down (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM)

  • Free play and quiet activities
  • Individual attention as needed
  • Daily report shared with parents
  • Communication about the day

What Your Toddler Will Learn

Cognitive Skills

  • Object permanence and cause-effect relationships
  • Sorting by color, shape, size
  • Matching and simple patterns
  • Problem-solving through play
  • Memory development
  • Early math concepts (counting, more/less)

Language Communication

  • Vocabulary explosion (learning 10+ new words/month)
  • Two-word phrases to simple sentences
  • Following 2-step directions
  • Answering simple questions
  • Identifying objects and pictures
  • Early literacy exposure letters, sounds)

Physical Development

  • Vocabulary explosion (learning 10+ new words/month)
  • Two-word phrases to simple sentences
  • Following 2-step directions
  • Answering simple questions
  • Identifying objects and pictures
  • Early literacy exposure letters, sounds)

Social-Emotional Skills

  • Parallel play advancing to interactive play
  • Showing affection to familiar people
  • Copying other children’s behavior
  • Recognizing self in photos/mirror
  • Showing defiant behavior (learning boundaries)
  • Expressing many emotions

Self-Help Skills

  • Feeding self with fork and spoon
  • Drinking from open cup
  • Washing and drying hands (with help)
  • Putting on simple clothing
  • Helping with cleanup
  • Potty training readiness and practice

YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN, GROW AND DISCOVER HIS TALENTS, WHILE YOU ARE AT WORK

BOOK A TOUR

“We are so happy we chose Emma for our son’s daycare. The management and staff are exceptional. 

 

Our son is happy to be dropped off every day and goes off to class without as much of a whimper. To us, that says it all… Then the daily updates of pictures of him smiling with his friends, and making arts and crafts confirm how he is happy there. 

Not to mention each month we see how he is mentally expanding, from counting his numbers to learning the alphabet.

 

 

It is such a comfort to know that he is safe and having fun for 9 hours during the day.”

Emma Daycare Christopher Testimonial

Christopher Stern

“Emma is the best Day Care around. My son was going there for about 4 years full time and now he is going to Emma during a summer school break. 

 

He always felt at home there, which always gave me peace of mind. They have a very clean and spacious facility, including well-equipped classrooms. Emma has a very good curriculum. 

 

My son was very well prepared to move to elementary school. Their teachers have great credentials. Also very importantly, homemade fresh meals are provided. Highly recommended!!!”

Emma Daycare Lilya Testimonial

Liliya Pletmintseva

“My two kids love going to Emma Daycare, most of the time :))) 


Very good and caring teachers and nannies, and very patient too 🙂 my kids can be very strong-willed and stubborn sometimes and teachers can work through these challenges. 


I highly recommend this daycare in Paramus to everybody.”

Anna Shchurova