Our Program
Our Program
Philosophy

The approach of the Center is based upon the philosophy that children learn by doing: through experiences, exploration, and active participation with their environment. Children’s discoveries promote mastery and feelings of competence. The Center provides a warm environment to support each child’s needs, promote self discovery and facilitate separation. Activities are adjusted to the developmental level of each child, enhancing his/her social, emotional and intellectual development.
Activities

Each day toddlers have many choices: to paint, poke play dough, sift sand through funnels, pour water into cups, or build with blocks. They can play with trains, puzzles, or dress up clothes, and picture books and music are part of the day. A slide, rocking boat, and climber let them explore physically. All of the activities provide children with developmentally appropriate experiences to support their growth and encourage social interactions with other children.
Additional Resources
Serious About Play Barnard Magazine feature article highlighting the Toddler Center's four decades of theory and praxis
Webinar: The Road to Resilience: Helping Children and Adolescents Manage Stress and Anxiety A lecture by Lisa Damour, Ph.D. followed by a Q&A with Tovah Klein, Ph.D., Director of the Barnard College Toddler Center
Webinar: How Babies (and Toddlers) Sleep Sofia Axelrod, Ph.D. discusses best practices followed by a Q&A with Tovah Klein, Ph.D., Director of the Barnard College Toddler Center