Parenting Tips for Your 29-30 Month Old Toddler
Ask these questions when choosing childcare or a preschool for your toddler:
- Are you invited to observe in the classroom? Spending one or two hours in a class will show you what the school has to offer.
- Are the caregivers willing to answer your questions? Would they talk to you on a regular basis about your child’s progress?
- Once your child has enrolled, will you be welcome to visit and observe at any time? You and your child’s caregivers need to work together as a team to help your child grow.
- Do teachers enjoy and respect the children? Is there hugging and holding and warmth between the teachers and the children? Do teachers talk with and listen to the children?
- Are there enough adults to pay attention and watch the children carefully? Children’s relationships with caregivers are important.
- Do the children seem happily involved in activities? Are there enough play materials for all the children? How long would a child have to wait for a turn? Children can become angry and unhappy if they have to wait too long for a chance to play with toys.
- Is there a balance of quiet and active play? Is there a balance of indoor and outdoor play? Children need variety in their daily lives. Do children get to choose what they do for at least part of the day?
- Does indoor play include music, art, water, dress-up, housekeeping, science, block building, books, and puzzles? Does it also include toys, such as trucks, cars, and dolls, to help children use their imagination?
- Are the rooms clean, safe, and attractive? Children need to have lots of different opportunities to learn.
- Is there a safe outdoor area with enough equipment, like ladders, barrels, low slides, riding toys, and swings to encourage activity and muscle development? Is there protection from the sun?
- Are meals provided by the preschool? Do you approve of the food they serve?
You will not be happy about your child’s preschool unless you feel that your child is in a safe, healthy, warm and loving place. The extra time it takes to find the right kind of care for your child will pay off in your own peace of mind and in your child’s development.
Learn more about Your Toddler: 29-30 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
