Children develop reasoning and problem solving skills. They begin to think for themselves, and work out problems mentally rather than through trial and error. They begin to develop stronger social bonds and their communication and reading skills. Vocabulary, memory and speech are increased by labelling items in books and asking questions. Physically eye-hand; co-ordination, pre-writing skills, large muscle skills and gross motor skills are increasing.

At Briarcliff our child care program focuses on your baby’s development:

• Cognitive skills: allows children to attempt to work out problems on their own, create and explore. Suggested materials include books, large pegs to group, sort and stack, large crayons, markers paints and paint brushes.
• Social/Emotional: our caregivers encourage cooperative and individual learning opportunities as well as creative expression. Provide opportunities for dramatic play with simple themes and props. Children are allowed to make choices on activities.
• Communication: we believe in talking positively to your child in statements that allow your child to respond back. Introduce your child to written words and other literacy based materials, and sing throughout the day. We allow child to make choices on activities. We seek to establish eye contact when talking to children and use picture books and short story books with repetition and rhymes, poems and finger plays.
• Physical: we allow children to run throw, catch, jump, climb, ride on riding toys and make choices on activities. Low climbing structures, riding toys, balls, puzzles and books.