Toddler Program: Hedgehogs & Turtles

Our toddler program includes two thoughtfully designed classrooms to meet children where they are developmentally. The Hedgehog Room serves younger toddlers (approximately 18 months to 2½ years), while the Turtle Room supports older toddlers (approximately 2½ to 3½ years) as they prepare for preschool.

The toddler years are a time of remarkable growth. Children begin asserting independence, building confidence, and developing a strong sense of self. Our program is designed to nurture that growing autonomy while providing the structure and security toddlers need to thrive. Each day includes Circle Time, Forge’s primary group learning experience. During Circle Time, children enjoy reading stories, singing songs, participating in show-and-tell, exploring flannel board stories, and engaging in finger plays. They also explore our weekly themes — from the five senses and community helpers to weather, seasons, and the world around them — building vocabulary and early academic foundations in a fun, interactive way.

Beyond Circle Time, toddlers participate in hands-on, teacher-guided activities including art projects, games, sensory exploration, and outdoor play. These experiences support early learning while strengthening fine and gross motor skills. Equally important, our toddlers begin developing essential self-help skills — washing hands independently, preparing for meals, cleaning up toys, and putting on coats. These small accomplishments build confidence and pride.

Throughout the day, our teachers gently guide children in learning how to communicate, share, take turns, and treat others with kindness and fairness — the foundational skills for building friendships that will last well beyond the toddler years.

At Forge, we celebrate the toddlers—energetic, curious, determined, and full of possibility.