Childcare for Toddlers (1–3 years)

Play-based learning that builds confidence, communication and independence

Your toddler is busy discovering the world - asking questions, making connections, and showing more of their unique personality every day.

At Affinity Education, our Early Experiences program for children aged 1–3 provides a safe, engaging and language-rich environment designed to support your toddler’s natural curiosity and development.

Grounded in the Abecedarian Approach and part of our nationally recognised Lifelong Learning Curriculum, the program encourages your child to explore through play, build friendships, and develop the confidence to express themselves.

Want to see how our toddler program works?

Affinity-Childcare-Centres

Supporting Language and Social Development

Between the ages of 1 and 3, toddlers experience rapid growth in communication, emotional regulation and movement. Our educators use the Abecedarian 3a Language Program, including Conversational Reading, Learning Games, and Enriched Caregiving, to nurture your child’s:

  • Language and self-expression

  • Confidence in social settings

  • Ability to form friendships

  • Curiosity and problem-solving skills

These simple, consistent strategies create a strong foundation for literacy, numeracy, and lifelong learning.

Part of Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum

The Early Experiences program is the second stage in our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, designed to support children from infancy through to school.

Lifelong Learning Curriculum 0-5 Years 2025

During the toddler years, your child will:

  • Develop social and friendship skills in group settings

  • Learn to express themselves confidently through language

  • Be introduced to literacy and numeracy through playful learning games

  • Establish helpful routines that support health and wellbeing

Our curriculum at this stage is enriched by daily interactions that build security and joy in learning.

Why Families Choose Our Toddler Program

  • Language-rich learning that supports communication and confidence

  • Engaging play-based activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving

  • Fresh meals cooked onsite daily (in most centres*)

  • Routines that support emotional security and growing independence

  • Experienced educators who know how to balance nurture and challenge

  • Daily updates so you always feel connected to your child’s learning

*Some centres may ask families to provide meals - your Centre Manager will confirm what applies.

What Your Toddler Will Learn

Our educators set up intentional, ever-changing learning zones that support development across four key areas:

Emotional Confidence

  • Trust through consistent, loving interactions

  • Awareness and expression of emotions

  • Comfort in new environments and routines

Social Connectivity

  • Practicing turn-taking, empathy, and shared problem-solving

  • Building friendships through cooperative play

  • Strengthening social identity and belonging

Foundational Learning

  • Exploring numbers, sounds, patterns and stories through play

  • Engaging with puzzles, books, music and art

  • Developing attention span, memory and early literacy skills

Physical Health & Wellbeing

  • Strengthening motor skills through climbing, balancing, building and messy play

  • Developing self-help skills (e.g., hand washing, dressing)

  • Enjoying nutritious meals and rest as part of a healthy routine

A Day in the Life of a Toddler at Our Centres

Every toddler is unique, and our educators follow their individual routines. A typical day may look like:

🌅 Morning welcome:
A calm and friendly start, helping your toddler settle in through play and connection.

🌿 Outdoor play:
Climbing, digging, water play, chalk art or a nature walk - all supporting physical development and curiosity.

🥣 Morning tea:
Nutritious snacks and meals (prepared onsite in most centres), with a focus on self-help skills and shared moments.

🎨 Learning zones:
Each day, your toddler can choose from sensory tables, role play corners, construction spaces, art areas and quiet nooks - all designed to support learning through exploration.

🍛 Lunch and rest:
Toddlers come together for lunch, followed by a rest period on toddler beds with relaxing music or quiet stories.

📖 Group time and games:
Language-rich learning continues through stories, songs, movement games, and learning games based on the Abecedarian approach.

🍓 Afternoon tea and outdoor play:
We end the day with time in the fresh air and lots of smiles at pick-up.

Why Start Now?

High-quality early education supports your toddler’s development in powerful ways. Children who attend early learning in the years before school show:

  • Stronger social and emotional skills

  • Better communication and early literacy

  • Easier transitions to preschool and kindergarten

  • Greater independence and self-regulation

Let’s Chat About What’s Next

The toddler years are an incredible time of growth - and we’d love to support your family through them.

Find a centre near you or contact us to ask a question, book a tour or learn more about enrolling in our Early Experiences program.

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