Toddlers
Curiosity in motion — guided, nurtured, and celebrated every day near Annapolis Junction and the National Business Parkway.
Toddlers (18 to 23 months)
The toddler months are some of the most exciting — and most exhausting — in early childhood. Your child is moving, talking, laughing, testing, and discovering the world at a pace that can feel almost impossible to keep up with. At Explore + Discover, located steps from the National Business Parkway in Annapolis Junction, MD, our toddler program is designed to channel that extraordinary energy into meaningful growth.
We understand that choosing toddler care near Fort Meade or Annapolis Junction means trusting someone with your child during one of the most formative stages of their life. Our experienced caregivers maintain a low 1:4 ratio — ensuring every toddler in our program receives the individual attention, patience, and warmth they need to thrive.
From the moment your toddler arrives to the moment you pick them up, every part of their day is intentional. We follow routines that provide security, offer activities that spark curiosity, and create a classroom environment that feels safe, warm, and full of possibility.
What You Can Expect from Our Toddlers Program
From drop-off to pick-up, here's what makes our toddler care different.
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Caregiver-to-Toddler Ratio
Your toddler is never just one of many. Our low ratio means consistent, attentive care from caregivers who truly know your child — their moods, milestones, and favorite songs.
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Language-Rich Environment
We talk, sing, read, and narrate throughout the day. Research shows that language exposure at this stage is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success — and we take that seriously.
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Gentle Introduction to Group Routines
Circle time, snack time, outdoor play — our structured daily schedule gives toddlers the predictability they crave while gently building the social skills they'll need in preschool and beyond.
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Sensory Play and Hands-On Exploration
Toddlers learn through touch, taste, sight, and sound. Our classrooms are stocked with sensory bins, art materials, movement activities, and age-appropriate toys that turn every moment into a learning opportunity.
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Real-Time Updates via BrightWheel
Working parents near Fort Meade and the National Business Parkway can stay connected to their toddler's day through BrightWheel — photos, activity logs, and daily notes sent straight to your phone.
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Maryland State Licensed Facility
Explore + Discover is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE CCLD 26.18) — meeting all state requirements for safety, staffing, and early childhood programming.
A Typical Day in Our Toddler Program
Every day is thoughtfully structured around your baby's individual needs — balancing play, learning, rest, nutrition, and consistent care throughout the day.
Morning Welcome & Free Play
7:00am – 8:30amToddlers are greeted by name at drop-off. Caregivers help ease the transition with warm, familiar routines and open-ended free play — building blocks, soft toys, and sensory exploration to start the day gently.
Morning Snack
8:30am – 9:00amA nutritious morning snack served family-style. Snack time is also a language moment — caregivers narrate, name foods, and engage toddlers in simple back-and-forth conversation to build vocabulary.
Circle Time
9:00am – 9:30amSongs, simple movement activities, and short group interactions. Circle time introduces toddlers to the concept of group participation — taking turns, listening, and following simple directions in a fun, low-pressure setting.
Guided Play & Learning Centers
9:30am – 11:00amToddlers rotate through small-group activity centers — art, sensory, dramatic play, and fine motor stations. Caregivers actively engage with each child, narrating, encouraging, and scaffolding discoveries.
Outdoor Play
11:00am – 11:45amFresh air, gross motor play, and unstructured outdoor exploration. Running, climbing, and playing outside is essential for toddler development — and a favorite part of every child's day.
Lunch
11:45am – 12:30pmLunch served at low toddler-height tables. Caregivers model self-feeding skills, encourage independence with utensils, and keep mealtime warm and conversational. Families provide lunch from home.
Rest Time
12:30pm – 2:30pmCots set up with familiar comfort items. Soft music plays as toddlers rest. Sleep schedules are respected individually — toddlers who wake early move quietly to soft-play activities while others continue resting.
Afternoon Snack & Activities
2:30pm – 4:30pmPost-nap snack followed by afternoon activities — music, movement, sensory play, and storytime. Energy levels are respected; some toddlers need active play, others need quiet winding down.
Pickup & Daily Recap
4:30pm – 6:00pmGradual pickup window with a personal daily recap from your child's caregiver. Highlights, milestones, mood, meals, and nap details shared at pickup — plus BrightWheel summary sent to your phone.
Key Activities
Every activity is carefully chosen to support your baby's development at this critical stage.
From sensory bins and music to storytime and outdoor play, every activity in our toddler program is designed to support language development, gross and fine motor growth, and the early social-emotional skills your child will carry into preschool — and beyond.
Ready to Learn More About Our Toddler Program?
We are now enrolling toddlers for Summer and Fall 2026. Spots fill quickly — we encourage families to schedule a tour as early as possible to secure your child's place.