Note: Please feel free to call us (401-847-8879) to inquire about the status of our waiting list. Currently there is limited availability for Summer and Fall and we have a waiting list for Winter Enrollment starting in January 2011.

As children gently awaken to the world around them we strive to support their development by allowing their own inner process to unfold naturally, without pressure, and without trying to speed up their development. Our goal in the toddler program is to create the most homelike setting possible in group childcare. We strive to nurture the children and to make their time away from home as warm and comfortable as possible. We do not seek to over-stimulate the children nor do our teachers aim to “entertain” the children. We provide them with a safe environment in which to play and to explore according to their own interests. We provide loving guidance and set appropriate limits, while providing them with an open ended experience.

Our program is built on the premise that children learn primarily through imitation and repetition, absorbing everything in their environment. We take great care of our environment for this reason and feel that young children today need a gentle, peaceful setting in which to “awaken.” Much of our curriculum in the toddler groups revolves around caring for the everyday needs of the children in a warm and respectful way. Teachers take time with each child when diaper changing or hand washing, for example, so the children feel well cared for and do not feel rushed. We greatly value the importance of establishing trusting relationships. Teachers communicate with one another and with the children in a kind, respectful way, modeling for the children the frequent use of the words “please” and “thank you” so that they may in turn learn to use these words in a meaningful way.

When an activity is brought to the children, it is chosen to be meaningful to them, not simply to “busy” them. For example, they might bake a sugar free cake, whole wheat muffins or cookies to share for afternoon snack. The children might work in the garden so as to later harvest vegetables to bring home to their families.

Modeling respect and care for the environment is also an important yet subtle element of what we bring to the children. What could instill more of a sense of awe than a blossoming garden, or the discovery of an earthworm? The natural world speaks deeply to the children. Much of our day is spent outdoors playing, working, and enjoying nature. The songs, stories and finger plays brought to the children are chosen with the changing seasons in mind.

Children entering our toddler program must be at least eighteen months old. Our age range is eighteen months to three years old. Children who will be three by September first will enter our pre-kindergarten. However, children turning three after September first will be placed in our toddler group.

The group size for toddlers is ten children. We have two toddler groups and we maintain a five to one child to teacher ratio in each group.

Daily rhythms are established so that the children can benefit from the comfort of having a consistent routine. The day’s rhythm may vary slightly between rooms. The following is an example of how a typical day might unfold:

7:30-9:30am Arrival and outdoor/indoor play
9:00-9:30am Diaper changing and hand washing
9:30am Circle time (songs and finger plays, perhaps a book)
9:40am Morning Snack (organic oats and raisins)
10:00-11:00am Outdoor play, gardening or baking
11:00-11:30 Diaper changing and hand washing
11:30-12:00 Lunchtime
12:00-3:00 Naptime
2:30-3:30 Diapering and hand washing as the children gradually awaken
3:30pm Afternoon snack (fresh baked items or organic fruit)
3:30-5:30 Outdoor/Indoor play and departures

After you have downloaded the admission application, please fax it to
401-847-8884 or mail it to:

Little Friends Farm
33 Mitchell's Lane
Middletown, RI 02842