Turtle Tots

            Once a child has completed their transition from infancy to toddlerhood, they are invited to join our Turtle Tots classroom. Children at this developmental level are showing interest in doing most things for themselves. They are becoming very competent walkers and some may even be able to run around at this point. They speak in short phrases and sentences and are becoming more social.

            In our Turtle’s classroom, we are staffed one teacher for every four children and have setup an environment that provides for their constant mobility and safety. The teachers in this classroom focus on encouraging social interactions between the children and ensuring their continued healthy development. Each child’s development is facilitated through multiple, short circle time activities with stories and songs as they learn to sit in a group. There are also other group and individual art, motor, and sensory activities provided throughout the week. The children learn their colors and shapes, and are provided language rich experiences to promote their ever-growing vocabulary. They are also invited to participate in an introductory music and movement class on Tuesdays for no additional fee.

            Meals are served to children seated at low tables who are learning to feed themselves with utensils as well as fingers. The children nap on a cot with soothing music playing at a low volume. Reports are provided to parents on a daily basis to inform them about diaper changes, menus of the day, and highlights of activities. Parents also have the opportunity to see their children during the day through the webcam that is installed in the classroom.

Andrea- Lead Teacher- Turtle Tots

lead teacher

           Andrea is the lead of the Turtle Tots room. Andrea has been working in childcare for the past 5 years and has been employed at Bright Start since August of 2006. Andrea received her infant and toddler CDA in January of 2009. Andrea enjoys teaching and is currently in the process of receiving her Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences. Andrea enjoys being silly with the children and doing fun, messy projects with them. She also likes to spend time reading to the children one on one. Andrea currently lives in Alexandria and likes to spend her free time reading, spending time with her friends and family, as well as taking her dog out to parks.