Toddler Daycare Program

Caregiver assisting a smiling toddler with a painting activity at a toddler daycare.

Toddler Daycare in San Gabriel Valley

Welcome to Firehouse School’s toddler daycare program in Pasadena and Altadena. At each of our two locations, we offer private toddler programs tailored for children ages 12 to 24 months. Children at this stage deserve exciting opportunities to foster their growth throughout the day. Our programs center around building coordination, exploring their environment, and building early childhood cognitive and social skills.

Why Choose Our Toddler Care Program?

  • Optimal balance between individual care and group experiences.
  • Channeling energy into meaningful growth
  • Low low teacher-to-child ratios to promote attentive support
  • Experienced caregivers well-versed in toddler development
  • Daily communication and updates for parents via updates and observations

Our Philosophy & Goals

Research shows that toddlers learn best through active exploration, play, and making connections. Our program philosophy is structured around this idea, focusing on:

  • Building physical confidence with purposeful movement
  • Stimulating environmental awareness with sensory learning
  • Supporting language development with songs, stories, and responsive interactions
  • Fostering social skills among peers and adults alike
  • Promoting independence balanced with a structured routine
Caregiver playing and stacking blocks with a toddler, promoting fine motor skills and early learning.

Our School For Toddlers Curriculum

Our daily routine includes child-led play, teacher-guided learning, and diverse experiences to nurture multidimensional growth.

Sensory & Motor Development

  • Climbing, walking, tactile exploration, and balance-building indoor and outdoor play
  • Practice for fine motor skills with activities like tracking objects, stacking, and exploring sensory bins

Early Language & Communication

  • Structured storytime, songs, and chances for verbal expression
  • Responsive facilitation of babbling, words, gestures, and early vocabulary

Cognitive & Problem-Solving Skills

  • Discovery-based play within a safe environment featuring cause-and-effect activities, puzzles, and blocks
  • Interactive games and exercises involving sorting, matching, and problem solving

Social & Emotional Growth

  • Examples and guidance for sharing, taking turns, and social interactions
  • Healthy nurturing of attachment with familiar caregivers to support emotional regulation

Practical Life Skills

  • Motivation for self-feeding, handwashing, and participation in group and individual routines
  • Potty training support at each child’s stage of developmental readiness

Nutrition & Care

  • Age-appropriate meals or snacks are served family-style to build a sense of connection.
  • We promote consistent hygiene routines, including self-washing procedures (e.g., washing hands before meals).
  • Outdoor fresh-air time when temperatures allow

A Typical Day in Our Toddler Program

While routines are and can adapt to each group’s needs, a typical day can involve:

    • Morning welcome and circle time
    • Structured and free play (indoor and outdoor)
    • Group snack and social time
    • Movement activities, motor skills, and storytime
    • Lunch
    • Afternoon rest
    • Music, art exploration, and unique activities

Why Families Love Firehouse School

Our toddler daycare programs in Pasadena and Altadena curate a thoughtfully personalized alternative to traditional large centers. With small class sizes and dedicated caregivers, we build an environment in which each child receives the care and attention they need.

Enroll in Our Toddler Program Today

Curious to see it in action? We welcome you to visit Firehouse Preschool‘s toddler classroom during operating hours. Schedule a tour to see for yourself how our Pasadena and Altadena toddler programs can provide your child with a secure, engaging space to support their natural development.