Twos

Two-year-olds are bursting with curiosity and confidence. At The Gardner School, our classrooms encourage this new independence through hands-on learning, nurturing guidance, and joyful discovery. Teachers help children explore, experiment, and build social and self-help skills in a safe environment where learning and laughter go hand in hand. In this two-year-old early learning classroom, children begin to strengthen emotional regulation, independence, and empathy while exploring the world around them.

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Day-In-The-Life

Every day blends exploration, friendship, and growing independence. Teachers guide each child through a balanced schedule of structured learning and playful discovery, building the foundation for future preschool success.

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Morning Activities

Warm Hellos

Teachers greet each child with warmth, helping them settle into the classroom and start the day confidently.

Learning Centers Exploration

Children choose from dramatic play, creative art, building blocks, sensory, manipulatives, math, science, literacy and writing, music, cozy corners, and story time centers designed to inspire curiosity and problem-solving.

Circle Time

Stories, songs, and conversation introduce new vocabulary and routines while encouraging early social skills.

Self-Help Practice

Teachers guide everyday moments like handwashing and snack prep, helping children feel capable and proud.

Everyday Connections

Potty Training Partnership

Teachers work closely with families to support this milestone, celebrating progress with patience and consistency.

Social Growth

Through group play and shared projects, children learn empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving.

Parent Partnership

Teachers share real-time updates, photos, and developmental milestones through Brightwheel, keeping families connected to each step of growth.

Moments that Matter

From first friendships to first self-zipped jackets, teachers celebrate every achievement with care and encouragement.

Afternoon Activities

Outdoor Adventures

Active play builds coordination, balance, and teamwork on our age-appropriate playgrounds.

Creative Art and Music

Children express themselves through art, music, and movement while exploring color, rhythm, and creativity.

Rest and Recharge

Quiet time and naps help children reset, ensuring balance between activity and rest.

Program Highlights

Our two-year-old program combines nurturing care with purposeful early education. Teachers use a research-based curriculum to support every stage of physical, social, and cognitive development. Classrooms are designed for independence and discovery while meeting NAEYC-aligned standards for safety, quality, and developmental growth.

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Curriculum Highlights

Creative Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos supports learning through hands-on exploration and intentional teacher interaction. Through daily observation and assessment, teachers guide development in communication, problem-solving, and social-emotional confidence.

Learning Centers

Our classrooms feature inviting learning centers for reading, construction, dramatic play, math, fine motor skills, science, art, and dramatic play. These spaces give children the freedom to choose, explore, and learn through active discovery while strengthening independence and curiosity.

Self-Help and Social Skills

Two-year-olds thrive on new challenges. Teachers guide them through self-help tasks like using utensils, washing hands, and dressing independently. Through group activities, they practice cooperation, patience, and kindness, developing confidence and self-control.

Potty Training

Our teachers support each child through the potty-training process with patience and encouragement, following the child’s readiness cues. Communication with families ensures consistency and confidence both at school and at home.

Parent Communication

Through the Brightwheel app, families receive daily updates, photos, and progress notes. Teachers also share developmental assessments and schedule parent conferences to celebrate milestones and set goals together.

Optional Enrichment Programs

By age two, children begin participating in optional enrichment classes such as music, dance, language, or movement. These small-group experiences allow them to explore new interests, build friendships, and discover joy in learning beyond the classroom.