Skilled Toddler Classroom – The Jungle Room (2 – 3 years)
“Who am I, and who is in charge?” Although the older, skilled toddlers are asserting their own control and independence, they still need a strong sense of security in order to explore the world with more purpose. Our program provides a nurturing, yet structured environment to promote language development, how to sort out feelings and communicate them in an appropriate manner. Sharing, developing friendships and a love for pretend play are also areas of focus.
Toilet-training is actively targeted with this age group. We will work with parents and families to provide support for each other to promote success on the road to being diaper free!
Our teachers provide parents with a daily report on each child’s activities throughout the day and pay special attention to ensure the parents feel informed as to how their child’s day went. We know it’s difficult to be away from your child but being able to discuss with them activities they have done earlier that day is a great way for you to connect with them!
Toddler Daily Guide: (Click Here)
What to bring for your skilled toddler:
We ask you to bring the following:
– bedding bag- crib sheet, blanket, small pillow and lovie (bag will be returned at the end of each week to be cleaned),
– clean changes of clothing (weather appropriate, 2 changes of clothing),
– diapers/pull-ups as needed,
– lunch in lunchbox with ice pack (If not participating in our Lunch Program)
Co-Lead Teacher
I’m from Maine but have also spent time in Florida to find new adventures, just to come to realize how much I love my home state. I have been back in Maine since 2021 and have been working at The Academy with the toddler age group since then. I babysat a lot through high school and always knew I wanted to work with children. I like to bring different sensory activities into the classroom and really enjoy reading books to the kids!
In my free time I love to hike, and am always outside adventuring with my dog. If I’m not outside I’m usually reading mystery/thriller books, or watching a new series on Netflix. I’m so excited to be a part of the toddlers learning experience in the Jungle Room!
Co-Lead Teacher
I was born and raised here in Maine. I have nannied for several families with toddlers and preschool aged kids. This is my first full-time position in a center and I’m so excited! My favorite classroom activities include coloring/painting and reading books!
Outside of work I like to travel, hike and go to the beach in the summer!
Looking forward to getting to know all of the children in the Jungle Room!
Co-Teacher
I moved to Maine from California in 2022 with my family and I’m loving it but still acclimating to the cold weather! I love working with children and have been in the child care field for 2 years but have been babysitting for several years. The toddler age group is so much fun- I just love seeing them grow into little people with amazing personalities!
In my spare time, I love to hike and read. I have also recently started snowboarding!
I’m excited for this opportunity to meet you all and work with your little ones!
Co-Teacher
I’ve lived in Westbrook my whole life and have known at an early age that I love working with children. I attended the Early Childhood Education program through high school and knew that was where I wanted to be in moving forward in life. Throughout the years I’ve babysat and nannied for kids of all ages. In 2018, I became a motherer myself and couldn’t love it more!
I began as a floater at The Academy in 2022 and have since moved into the role of co-teacher with the 2 year olds!
In my free time I enjoy taking walks and adventuring with my dogs and daughter! I also love photographing nature.
I look forward to working with your children every day and couldn’t be happier working here!