Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Serving 12 children between the ages of two to three years, a curriculum of "learning centers" is implemented, allowing these older toddlers many opportunities to become autonomous learners as they work and play in this hands-on, multi-sensory classroom.
Each of our classrooms has a dedicated lead teacher and assistant teacher.
Children also are cared for by our student teaching assistants.
I started working at the Early Childhood Laboratory June 2023 as a teaching assistant, which blossomed into an amazing career opportunity for me. After completing observation hours for one of my classes and an internship at ECHL, I fell in love with the environment and the children.
In December 2023, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in human sciences with a concentration in human development and family studies. I want to further my education and obtain my master's degree, as I have always had a special place in my heart for children and early education.
My husband and I love to take our two dogs for walks in the trails of Nacogdoches, our favorite being Pecan Acres Park. We enjoy spending time with our families and having family dinners.
I have been with the Early Childhood Laboratory since August 2021. I attended Angelina College and am working toward continuing my education. I was born and raised in Nacogdoches, and I graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 2014.
I have two amazing young kids, Renzo and Zayleen. I spend most of my free time crafting and with my kids. We love to travel and find new places together. I can't wait to continue to grow with the ECHL!
Activities and development
Early Childhood Laboratory classrooms follow the Constructivist Theory approach. Our teachers develop outdoor lesson plans to correlate with weekly lesson plans that reinforce indoor learning and structure playtime to optimize learning. Using curriculum and assessments for guidance, design of the learning centers is based on the learning needs of each individual child.
In the Toddler II classroom, the development process of potty training begins when a child shows signs of readiness. Learning centers offer individual play and group activities such as stories and music. Emerging skills at this age include solving problems with words.
Toddlers are given opportunities to become autonomous learners as they work and play in a hands-on, multi-sensory classroom.
Daily schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:10 to 8:15 a.m. | Arrivals, limited learning centers |
| 8:15 to 8:30 a.m. | Restroom routine |
| 8:30 to 9:05 a.m. | Wash hands, breakfast |
| 9:05 to 9:30 a.m. | Story, music, group time |
| 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. | Learning centers, restroom routine |
| 10:15 to 11 a.m. | Outside play or motor room |
| 11 to 11:05 a.m. | Wash hands |
| 11:05 to 11:35 a.m. | Lunch |
| 11:35 a.m. to Noon | Restroom routine, transition to nap time |
| Noon to 2 p.m. | Naptime |
| 2 to 2:20 p.m. | Wake up, restroom routine |
| 2:20 to 2:45 p.m. | Snack |
| 2:45 to 3 p.m. | Story, activity, group time |
| 3 to 3:45 p.m. | Outside play, learning centers |
| 3:45 to 3:55 p.m. | Clean up |
| 3:55 to 4:15 p.m. | Restroom routine |
| 4:15 to 5 p.m. | Outside play or motor room |
| 5 to 5:10 p.m. | Clean up |
| 5:10 to 5:20 p.m. | Hallway for departure |
Stocking their cubby
Here's a quick checklist of items to keep in your child's classroom cubby:
- Diapers
- Lovey (small comfort item)
- Two to three sets of season-appropriate clothing
- Additional pairs of underwear once child begins potty training
We provide diaper wipes, naptime items (cot, pillow and blanket), toothbrush and water bottle.
Toys must stay at home.
New families:
Bring three to four photos of family members for your child's scrapbook collage page.
Playground
The toddler II playground is your child's first introduction to the "big kid swing"! Children perfect their skills cruising around the bicycle path, running around the climber, enjoying dramatic play and playing in the sandbox. The playground offers many sensory experiences and provides ample shade.
