Big 3s Program
Getting Ready for Preschool
The Big 3s program is for children ages 24 months to 3.5 years. This age group is a bridge between toddlers and preschool for kids whose birthdays fall between 9/5 of the current year and 8/31 of the following year. Its goal is to group children who are approaching preschool age but will not be able to move up until the following year due to the Kindergarten cut off. In a classroom setting and size equivalent to toddlers, it supports growth and development while avoiding overstimulation.
Curriculum Areas
The Toddler Experience Curriculum splits it’s learning initiatives between younger and older toddlers. Big 3s fit into the older side, focusing on developing autonomy and self-reliance and getting introduced to academics through developmentally appropriate practices and hands-on play. Through it, they will:
Build resilience and self regulation.
Start identifying letters, sounds, numbers and shapes.
Improve fine motor skills to support future writing.
Grow vocabulary and expressive language.
Your child’s teacher will use books, puppets, music, blocks, puzzles and manipulatives to inspire a love of learning. While your child plays, they will naturally build foundational skills. These skills are interwoven within 7 developmental domains:
- social-emotional
- physical and motor
- language and literacy
- math and reasoning
- science
- social studies
- creative arts
Goals for Big 3s
Curiosity and Exploration: We give waddlers structured and open-ended opportunities to explore through group art, pretend play, and guided activities that build on what they learned as infants.
Love of Learning
As we prepare Big 3s for Preschool, we’ll focus on appreciation for their own growth and self-motivation to persevere through challenges.
Healthy Body
Through outdoor and indoor activities, Big 3s will fine tune motor skills and learn to hold writing tools, pedal, climb, self feed and use the potty independently.
Socialization and Relationships
Children will be encouraged to self-regulate and supported in naming and understanding feelings. Teachers will prepare them for the transition to Preschool and navigating larger classrooms and more stimulation.
Ready for Preschool
By the time they finish their time in Big 3s, children will be fully potty trained, able to use utensils for self feeding, able to clean up after meals and
Big 3s Skills Through Play
Language and Literacy
Big 3s will engage in independent reading to familiarize with books, words and sentence structures. By participating in teacher led meetings and circle time, they will also sing, learn sign language, be introduced to foreign languages and be encouraged to expand vocabulary and articulate words.
Physical Development
Focused on both gross and fine motor skills, big 3s will improve balance, strengthen muscles through climbing and biking and practice the pinch grip needed for writing and artistic expression.
Social and Emotional Learning
Big 3s will face slightly higher expectations than toddlers due to maturity. They will be encouraged to express themselves with words, differentiate big problems from little problems, practice problem-solving and managing expectations of themselves and others.
Creative Arts
By exploring creativity through different materials and sources, Big 3s will prepare for the greater variety they will encounter in Preschool and improve independence when handling supplies.
Math and Science
Children will engage with science, math, engineering and spatial awareness by interacting with legos, magnet tiles, magnifying glasses, scales, building blocks, puzzles and science experiments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages are in the Big 3s Program?
The Big 3s program is for children 2 years old to 3.5 years old.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Big 3s do not need to be potty trained to enter the program. The process will happen during their time in the classroom in partnership with the family and with consistent strategies across home and school.
What about naps?
Waddlers typically transition from crib to cot after their first birthday. Children who need extra naps are accommodated as needed.
What curriculum do you use?
We use The Toddler Experience Curriculum, specifically for older toddlers.
What does a typical day in a Big 3s Room look like?
6:30-9 – Arrival and free play
9-9:30 – Breakfast
9:30-11:30 – Circle Time, Outdoor Play, Great Room Play and Teacher Led Activities
11:30 – Lunch
12:30 – 2:30 – Nap Time
2:30 – 3 – Wake up transition
3- Afternoon Snack
3:30-5 – Outdoor Play, Great Room Play and Child-led activities
5-6 – Free play and dismissal
What kind of activities are included?
Every day children interact with a multitude of materials, ranging from books, blocks, magnet tiles, dramatic play, musical instruments, multimedia art, playground equipment, tricycles, and more.
Are there enrichment opportunities?
Yes! Tuition covers our enrichment programs, which include soccer workshop, community garden, book fair, yoga, dental health, animal encounters and holiday celebrations.
After Big 3s, where does my child go?
Most children transition from Big 3s to Preschool during the Summer/Fall after their 3rd birthday. Children who are academically advanced and whose parents feel comfortable may transition directly to K-Prep.
What is the ratio for this age group?
Ratio is 4:1 and classroom size is 8 children.
