The growth and development journey of a toddler is truly remarkable, and at Burwood House, our educators embrace the responsibility of supporting and guiding our Little Exploders with immense pride. Each day, we curate experiences that cater to a wide range of developmental needs, encompassing gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social skills, communication skills, self-help skills, and much more.

Our resources are carefully selected to be age-appropriate, accommodating children at various stages of development. We understand that the needs of a 24-month-old child differ greatly from those of a 36-month-old child, and our environments are thoughtfully tailored to meet these varying requirements. We acknowledge that toddlers of this age are becoming increasingly curious and capable, and as such, we prioritize supervision and implement stringent safety measures. We also encourage children to take responsibility for their safety and make individual decisions under our guidance.

We place great emphasis on preparing children for the transition to school, recognizing its significance. In our preschool rooms, we prioritize the development of self-help skills that are vital for school readiness. This includes empowering children to independently put on their shoes, take responsibility for their belongings, source their own water bottles, open and close their bags, articulate their needs, manage their toileting needs, and don their own jackets.

By nurturing these self-help skills, we aim to instill a sense of independence, confidence, and readiness in our preschoolers, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in a school environment. Our educators are committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment that cultivates essential skills and prepares children for their educational journey ahead.

"Burwood Mini Makers Club" is our STEM program designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children ages 0-5, introducing them to science, technology, engineering, and math through playful, hands-on activities. Each session focuses on exploration and problem-solving, where children can build, experiment, and create, using materials like blocks, natural elements, and simple tools. From observing how plants grow to building basic structures

and exploring patterns, "Mini Makers Club" encourages young learners to ask questions, test ideas, and develop critical thinking skills. By making STEM engaging and accessible, the program lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and inspires children to see themselves as inventors and explorers in the world around them.

"Burwood Cooking Corner" is our cooking program designed for young children to explore the joys of cooking, healthy eating, and food discovery. In a safe, hands-on environment, children ages 0-5 learn to prepare simple, nutritious dishes while developing essential skills like measuring, mixing, and following instructions. Each session introduces ingredients from various cultures, helping children appreciate diversity through food and understand where ingredients come from. As they prepare tasty, wholesome snacks and meals, children also gain an early understanding of nutrition, the value of fresh ingredients, and the importance of balanced meals, fostering lifelong healthy eating habits.

"Burwood House Chit Chat" language classes are designed to immerse children ages 0-5 in a world of diversity and linguistic exploration, celebrating the variety of languages and cultures around us. These classes offer age-appropriate, interactive sessions that encourage young learners to explore new words, sounds, and phrases in a fun, inclusive environment. By introducing different languages early, "Chipmunks Chit Chat" nurtures open-mindedness and curiosity about the world, helping children appreciate cultural differences while building foundational communication skills. The goal is to foster a lifelong love of learning and respect for diversity, creating a strong basis for future language and social development.

While play remains central, the structure and intentional teaching within this program mirror many aspects of the classroom, helping children become familiar with school-like routines and expectations. Activities such as packing lunch boxes, following visual schedules, participating in group discussions, and developing early writing and mathematical concepts are integrated in a developmentally appropriate way.

Participation in our Enhanced School Readiness Program is completely optional and designed to complement, not replace, each child’s unique learning journey. We deeply respect the individual needs and readiness of every child, and no child is ever pressured to participate. Instead, we offer this program as an enriching opportunity for children who are seeking challenges and are nearing readiness for Kindergarten.