Service Infants:
3 months – 12 months
Infants learn trust and security through loving touch and attention. A baby’s basic needs
must be met to ensure this trust is built. Infants practice tummy time daily. They are
encouraged to crawl and walk at their developmental pace. Language development
begins even in this early stage. Teachers talk, sing, and dictate what’s happening
throughout the day. This constant exposure to soft tones and language helps even the
youngest infants feel a sense of calm. Even at this age, children are learning to love
structure and routine in their daily activities.
Toddlers:
13 months – 23 months
Toddlers are learning to be steadier on their feet, but it’s very normal for them to still
stumble and fall. Social relationships are learned at this age as well. While most
toddlers do not know how to effectively communicate with their peers, biting, hitting, and
pushing are common means of communicating their desire for personal space and their
playtime wants. Toddlers are exploring the world of understanding and listening,
learning to communicate effectively. Language development is key at this age. Toddlers
also begin the earliest form of independence, feeding themselves. Finger foods become
an essential part of mealtime.
Preschool:
K2
Language explodes during the second year of life. Two- and three-word statements
become four-to-six-word sentences. Children can express themselves, and they spend
their days practicing their communication skills with their friends. In this first year of
academic preschool, letter names, sounds, and symbols are being introduced. Not only
can a child say a letter, but they will also learn what sound the letter makes, and they
can identify the letter when they see it in written form. This acquisition of knowledge is a
slow process. First Steps focuses on one letter per week at this age, using various
characters, goofy songs, and other entertaining activities to make this learning fun.
Teachers guide the children in making friendships by fostering positive interactions
through play. Potty training is introduced at this age as a child shows signs they are
interested and developmentally ready. Teachers in this class will provide tips and
suggestions to ensure the learning is always consistent.
Preschool:
K3/K4
Three-year-olds continue to learn through play and social interactions. Teachers help
with conflict resolution and will help guide conversations between friends. You may hear
a teacher dictate a sentence for a child to repeat. This redirection helps to give three-
year-olds the words they may struggle to produce on their own. Children are blossoming
in independence and can use the restroom on their own with few accidents. Mealtimes
are another opportunity to promote this newfound independence as children become
more opinionated about what they eat. As the academics become more rigorous, this
age group is ready for daily, short, designated time to memorize letters and numbers.
While maintaining the fun of learning, circle time becomes more focused on a specific
lesson, and questions are asked to ensure children are grasping various age-
appropriate concepts. Activities at this age are designed to encourage larger group play
as they navigate learning teamwork.
VPK
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free, high-quality education program designed to
prepare Florida’s 4- year-olds for kindergarten and build a foundation for their
educational success. High-quality VPK providers deliver age-appropriate curricula,
including early literacy and math standards, in manageable class sizes led by qualified
instructors. State data shows that children who participate in VPK are better prepared to
enter kindergarten ready to learn
Four-year-olds are very social little humans. They have mastered the art of self-
advocacy, and they enjoy spending time with their peers doing various activities. The
focus of most plays is strengthening their group communication skills. Fine motor skills
may still be challenging as they learn to hold a pencil correctly, tie shoes, and cut with
scissors. Teachers spend time focusing on how to properly form letters as children
begin handwriting. Letters are no longer just being identified, children are now blending
those sounds to begin reading and writing. Math, Science, and Dramatic Play are
incorporated into center time using educational table toys.
