TWOS Program
2-Year-Old Program Overview: Faith, Learning, and Friendship
Our 2-Year-Old Program is designed to provide a warm, nurturing environment that fosters early growth and development. At this age, children are exploring the world around them with curiosity and wonder. We aim to nurture their cognitive, emotional, and spiritual development while helping them build meaningful relationships with others. Our program is aligned with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) state standards, ensuring that every child receives age-appropriate experiences that prepare them for success in later childhood.
Program Highlights
State-Approved Curriculum: Our curriculum follows the Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards (TN-ELDS) for two-year-olds, promoting development in areas like language acquisition, physical skills, social-emotional growth, and cognitive learning. Activities are tailored to meet the developmental milestones for this age group.
Faith-Based Learning: Every day, we incorporate simple Bible stories, songs, and prayers to introduce children to God’s love. Through these stories and activities, children begin to understand Christian values like kindness, sharing, and love.
Social-Emotional Growth: At this age, social skills are just beginning to form. We focus on helping children interact with others, learn how to share, and understand emotions. Our program provides opportunities for children to practice cooperation and build confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
Cognitive and Physical Development: We provide a range of activities to help children explore their world. Through hands-on play, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and movement games, we support the development of cognitive skills, physical coordination, and fine motor skills.
Curriculum Overview
1. Early Literacy and Language Development:
Language Skills: Encouraging early language development through simple songs, rhymes, and stories. Vocabulary expansion and basic listening skills are key areas of focus.
Bible Stories: Simple, age-appropriate Bible stories and songs that introduce young children to biblical concepts like love, caring for others, and the importance of God in their lives.
2. Social and Emotional Learning:
Building Friendships: Activities that foster the development of early social skills like taking turns, sharing, and expressing feelings.
Faith-Based Values: Teaching kindness, patience, and the joy of helping others through faith-centered lessons.
3. Cognitive Development:
Exploring the World: Sensory activities such as playing with water, sand, and safe, tactile materials that introduce children to basic science concepts.
Early Math Skills: Introducing numbers, shapes, and colors through interactive games, toys, and music.
4. Physical and Motor Skills:
Gross Motor Skills: Encouraging active play, such as dancing, running, and climbing, to develop strength, balance, and coordination.
Fine Motor Skills: Simple activities like stacking blocks, playing with playdough, and using crayons to help children develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) State Requirements:
Our 2-Year-Old Program follows Tennessee DHS Child Care Licensing Regulations and adheres to the Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards (TN-ELDS), ensuring that every child receives the highest standard of care and early education. Here are some of the key requirements:
Health and Safety Standards: Regular facility inspections and adherence to all required safety protocols, including background checks for staff, fire safety measures, and food safety practices.
Qualified Teachers: Teachers are Tennessee State-licensed or actively working toward certification in early childhood education. They also receive training in CPR, first aid, and emergency procedures.
Child-to-Staff Ratios: We adhere to the required 1 teacher for every 4-6 children in the 2-year-old classroom, ensuring that each child receives the individual attention they need to thrive.
Developmental Screenings: All children participate in age-appropriate developmental screenings to ensure they are meeting key milestones and to create a tailored learning experience that fits each child's needs.
Program Schedule
Our 2-Year-Old Program operates from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. We are a Mother’s Day Out Program and follow regular school hours. Please note that we do not offer extended before or aftercare.
Parent Involvement and Community:
We understand that parents are a vital part of a child's development, and we encourage strong connections between the school and home. Opportunities for parent involvement include:
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Regular check-ins to discuss progress, developmental milestones, and any areas of growth or concern.
Faith-Based Activities: Opportunities for parents to join in classroom Bible lessons, prayers, and seasonal celebrations.
Family Social Events: Family-oriented events, such as picnics, holiday celebrations, and faith-based gatherings, to build a community of support.
Enrollment Information
Age Requirement: Children must be 2 years old by August 15th of the school year to enroll in the program.
Enrollment Process:
Complete the 2-Year-Old Enrollment Form.
Submit required documentation, including proof of age and health records.
Meet with the program director for a family interview and orientation.