Toddler Group Standard Times

09:00 - 16:00
limited number of places; by special arrangement only

Before Care

Busy Bees International Preschool recognizes the needs of working parents and provides a safe, entertaining and social environment for children during those hours before class begins.

Early Drop-Off

8:00-9.00
Early morning drop-off is available for the Toddler students.

Additional holiday and Saturday morning program

Busy Bees International Preschool (with all its programs) is required by law to remain closed during Sundays and all German public holidays.

During the general school holidays special holiday programs will be offered, details to be advised closer to the time.

Saturday mornings a supervised fun and entertainment program will be made available for 3 hours (if reasonable demand arises, please therefore register in advance).

Additional language training

Additional language training (English/German or German/English) may be offered to students and/or their parents individually or in small groups.

2-3 Year-olds' Toddler Program

1. A prepared environment

   The learning environment is carefully prepared

• to train the senses
• to stimulate curiosity
• to help them gaining independence, self-discipline, and good communication skills
• to satisfy the child's need-to-know
• to protect him/her from unnecessary failure
• and to cherish and nurture every child's joy and wonder of learning

   We achieve this by...

• classrooms being spacious, bright and carefully designed to provide a stimulating learning environment
• Using toddler-sized tables, chairs, sinks, stools, bookshelves, mirrors to appeal to the child's natural curiosity
• Positioning activities around the room for toddlers to choose independently
• Providing activities dealing with a particular theme, skill or subject of value to toddler development. They allow toddlers to begin to experience concepts of sequence, form, shape, movement & sound
• Changing and evolving activities as the children grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually
• Providing learning living skills, e.g. getting dressed, preparing snack, setting the table, sweeping the floor, using breakable objects rather than plastic substitutes; thereby creating an instantaneous surge of pride

2. Promote independence

   Children are given freedom to develop according to their own needs and tendencies within definite limits.
   This freedom allows the child to develop independence, good working habits and self discipline.

   This is created through...

• The Practical Life area which provides the toddler with opportunities to learn life skills like pouring, spooning, washing, preparing food, watering plants etc.
• Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen, either alone or with others
• A classroom atmosphere which encourages social interaction for cooperative learning, peer teaching and emotional development
• Educating the child to make decisions for himself
• A child directed program. Children are encouraged to pursue their interests, make responsible choices for themselves and direct themselves to constructive activities. Since children's interests vary, this opportunity results in an independent, self motivated learner
• The main focus is language and motor development, assisting the child in developing self-help skills (including toilet-training), and helping children build trust in relationships

3. The teacher

   The Montessori teacher functions as designer of the environment, resource person, role model, demonstrator,
   record keeper, and meticulous observer of each child's behaviour and growth.

   The entire toddler environment is designed to allow the children to explore and to develop concentration and
   coordination. The teachers observe the children each day and monitor their development and readiness.