Baby Steps

Description

Baby Steps is our most tender and foundational group — designed for toddlers and earlypreschoolers who are just beginning to experience the world of peers. This is where social learning begins: not with structured games or group conversations, but with quiet, parallel play, side-by-side curiosity, and gentle teacher guidance. This group welcomes children aged 3 to 4.5, with early entry possible from 2.5 years for little ones who are ready to try group life. We keep the group small, slow-paced, and warm — helping each child feel safe as they take their first steps into a shared world.

What Do Children Practice in Baby Steps?

Playing near others with calm, peaceful energy
 Becoming aware of their own space and others’ personal space
 Exploring gentle sharing and turn-taking with teacher support
 Beginning to notice and sometimes follow what others are doing
 Practicing group participation, even when the activity is new or not their favorite
 Learning how to transition between activities with routines and songs
 Feeling safe and supported while exploring social play at their own pace

This group is not about teaching rules or pushing independence — it’s about helping young
children feel comfortable being with others, and noticing that other people exist in their space in kind, gentle ways.

3 Routines

Arrival &Cozy Free Play — sensory bins, pretend kitchen, building toys
Welcome Circle — short greeting songs, visuals, one simple group routine
Parallel Play Time — structured toy stations where children can play side-by-side
Group Game or Song — teacher-led turn-taking games, peekaboo, parachute play
Snack &Book Time — sitting together with adult support, listening to a short story
Gross Motor Play — movement games, push toys, ball rolling
Closing Song & Goodbye — simple, predictable goodbye routine

All transitions are slow and supported. Children are never rushed or expected to perform.

[Example Activities]

 Stacking towers together without taking each other’s blocks
 Side-by-side play trays with matching toys (e.g., trucks, animals, water play)
 Bubble catching or “pop and pass” games to explore turn-taking
 Sharing time with sensory tools, where kids wait their turn with teacher modeling
 Gentle circle games like “roll the ball” or “pass the scarf”
 Parallel art time — each child paints or scribbles next to a peer, not as a group project

✅ Is This the Right Group for Your Child?

Q: My child plays alone most of the time. Is this group too social?
A: Not at all. Baby Steps is designed for exactly that — children who are just starting to
tolerate, notice, and enjoy being near others. No forced interaction, no pressure to perform. Just
gentle exposure, every week.

Q: My child doesn’t share or take turns yet. Will that be a problem?
A: Not at all. We don’t expect sharing or turn-taking to be mastered at this stage. Instead, we
model it slowly, support it gently, and celebrate moments of progress — not perfection.

Q: What if my child cries or needs help during group time?
A: That’s very common at this age, and our team is here to respond with warmth and patience.
Transitions and expectations are flexible, and comfort always comes first.

Q: What kind of child is Baby Steps for?
A: This group is ideal for children who: