THE TODDLER BOOK

Not every child attends a toddler group. Attendance is NOT a criterion for admission to nursery school. Nearly all nursery schools which include toddler groups admit children also at the nursery or 3-year old level.

A toddler group is especially appropriate for -but often not limited to - the more verbal, gregarious child who can separate from his/her parent or care-giver.

A good toddler group is not a scaled-down nursery program. Rather, it takes into consideration the fact that small children are less able to wait their turn, defend their rights or verbalize their needs. These little ones still need lots of affection and one-to-one interaction with an adult.

They are learning how to play as well as how to play with other children. Thus, toddler groups are working on playing skills in addition to verbal and socialization skills, along with arts, crafts, cooking, singing, etc.

It is a fact at this time and for this age level that there are not enough places in toddler groups to meet the demand. Therefore, do consider some of the many other options included in this handbook.

The Parents League office has on file cards from parents describing and evaluating several of the programs geared to specific activities, such as art, music and gym programs. Members of Parents League may consult these files at any time.

While a number of nursery schools offering Toddler Programs are described in this book, not all nursery schools are listed here as many schools do not accept children younger than 3 years old. When specifically considering nursery schools please contact the Parents League for a current list of Early Childhood Programs available in Manhattan and Brooklyn. In addition, the Parents League offers Early Childhood Program workshops at no charge to its members which provides parents with "a place to start" in their search for the right school for their child. Please call the Parents League to set up an appointment. Applications for nursery schools are available up to a year in advance of attendance so some prior planning is advised.

We have not attempted to gather information on all the day care centers located in Manhattan at this time. Daycare programs are open year-round and do not follow the traditional school year with long summer vacations and winter and spring breaks. There are some all-day facilities listed in this booklet and you will discover others on your own. We also suggest you contact Child Care Inc., (212)929-7604, which does have current listings.

The Bureau of Day Care of the New York City Department of Health is responsible for licensing facilities for all out-of-home group child care. These requirements set forth standards for physical facilities, equipment, teacher/child ratios, health, safety, etc., and vary according to size of program and age of its children. For a copy of these regulations, you may contact the Bureau of Day Care, (212)676-2444.

Family Day Care is a small facility of not more than five children in an individual's home which has been certified by the Bureau of Day Care. For information about these programs and names of individuals who run them, please call the Bureau of Day Care, (212)676-2444.

Parents League holds frequent workshops for parents of toddlers at which topics of mutual concern are discussed. High school-aged baby sitters and summer helpers are on file also for the convenience of our members.

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Some things to think about when choosing a toddler program.

• operation of program in addition to its philosophy
• size, comfort, cheeriness and organization of room
• hours that are appropriate to needs and schedules of family
• training and experience of teachers
• teacher-child ratios
• involvement of director
• degree of consistency with home environment
• age requirement
• outdoor facilities
• equipment
• safety provisions
• emergency procedures
• discipline
• structure
• policy on toilet training, separation, set-backs