The Turtle class is for children 12 to 18 months.
For many children, the Turtle class is the first all day or part day experience away from their home. Our home like environment and nurturing teachers help your child to adjust and feel comfortable. We gently encourage positive social skills, independence through exploration and familiarity with routines. To accomplish these goals, children are provided with inviting surroundings, a variety of materials and furniture for their size, activities designed to allow growth and finer development of motor skills and nurturing and experienced teachers.
A note from Miss Nicole:
Hello! I am the Head Teacher for the Turtle Room. We are not afraid to be silly in this room! I can often be found making up songs, using funny voices, trying on different hats and wigs, or just playing peek-a-boo with a child. Being silly makes children smile and laugh and gets their attention. Children learn through play and can remember and retain more when they are enjoying themselves!
Snickers the Guinea Pig lives in the Turtle classroom. He enjoys talking to the children, especially those who talk back! During snack and lunch time he gets some of the same vegetables and fruits that we do! Snickers even takes naps with us during nap times.
Our goals for the Turtle Room are for children to be comfortable coming to a teacher for support as well helping them begin to explore on their own. We work hard to have children walking, feeding themselves, expressing emotions and gaining understanding of the most basic social skills.
We provide several soft areas, including a colorful tent for when children require quiet time and their own space. I make it my first priority to nurture children with lots of comforting hugs and holding. Once children find their place in our room for the day, I use enthusiasm and encouragement to get children to try new activities or toys! Our room is always an adventure.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Nicole has been working at YPLC since 2009. Nicole has an Associates of Arts degree and has taken college courses in Early Childhood Education. She is currently in school to complete her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She enjoys attending additional trainings as the opportunities arise. Nicole is a very hands on teacher. She is more comfortable sitting at the children’s level when reading, doing art, playing or just enjoying a few moments of cuddle time. She follows the children’s lead when deciding what to learn next and allows them to develop their skills on their individual developmental schedules. She loves to teach children how to master a skill by showing and assisting them, not by completing the task for them or verbally giving directions.
“I love that everything is new and exciting to these children and I get to play a role in helping them discover their worlds. We are not afraid to be silly in the Turtle Room!”
Check out another classroom:
-> Toddler Program Home Page -> Dolphin Classroom (18 – 24 months) ->Whale Classroom (24-36 months)
