Toddler Early Literacy Program – Caterpillar & Co.

Ages 1.5–2.5 | Morning Program 8:30–11:30am (September–June)

Why Early Literacy Matters at This Age

Between 18–30 months, toddlers are in one of the biggest language growth stages of their lives. Every day brings new words, sounds, and connections. This is the age when children begin to:

Name familiar people, animals, and objects
Copy songs, sounds, and gestures
Start to use words to express feelings and needs
Build the routines and social skills that prepare them for preschool

Our Toddler Early Literacy Program is designed to nurture this natural stage of development in a playful, age-appropriate way. By the time they move on to preschool, they already have the vocabulary, confidence, and curiosity that make later reading skills click naturally.

How Letters, Sounds, and Reading Fit at This Age

Parents often wonder if a toddler literacy program means learning the alphabet. At this stage, early literacy looks very different:

Toddlers are just beginning to notice that print carries meaning — pointing to their name on a cubby, or recognizing a STOP sign.
They build phonological awareness naturally through rhymes, songs, clapping games, and silly sound play — the earliest building blocks of reading.
Teachers use print referencing (pointing out letters on labels or the first letter of a child’s name) so children start to connect symbols with meaning in a playful way.
Exposure, not memorization, is the goal. Success is when a child joyfully points to a familiar letter or imitates a sound, not when they recite the alphabet.

Our program introduces letters and sounds organically through books, songs, and daily routines, so children develop a strong foundation without pressure. It’s not about memorizing letters or sitting still – it’s about building a love for books, language, and learning through joyful experiences.

What the Program Looks Like

Each morning is carefully structured, balancing routine with exploration.

Circle Time – A short, engaging start to the day with stories, songs, and rhymes.
Hands-On Activities – Art, sensory play, and fine motor activities tied to monthly themes.
Outdoor Exploration – Language prompts and movement games that connect learning to nature, the skills children are building & monthly themes.
Snack Time Conversations – Everyday vocabulary practice in a relaxed setting.
Weekly Family Connection – Once a week, your child brings home a project or artifact that helps you share in their learning without adding pressure or “homework.”

Monthly Themes (September – June)

Our program runs for 10 months, with each month focusing on a theme toddlers love:

September: Books Are Fun (names, families, routines)
October: Seasons & Colours
November: Animals & Sounds
December: Stories & Traditions
January: Shapes & Sizes
February: Feelings & Friends
March: Transportation Words
April: Farm & Food
May: Community Helpers
June: Summer & Review

Each theme is built around stories, songs, and sensory play activities. Over the course of the 10 month program, toddlers are introduced to 70+ carefully selected picture books – about 7-8 new titles each month. These books are chosen around each theme, giving children repetition and variety. Hearing the same words in stories, songs, play, and take-home projects helps toddlers build vocabulary and confidence naturally.

What Your Child Will Gain

By the end of the program, children will:

Use a wide range of new words across themes (colours, animals, foods, helpers, feelings).
Show confidence with books (turning pages, pointing to pictures, enjoying group reading).
Participate in songs, rhymes, and sound play — the foundation of phonics and later reading.
Begin to notice letters in familiar places (like the first letter of their name, or words on signs and labels).
Recognize and imitate simple sounds, syllables, and rhythms that support early language development.
Start to label emotions, routines, and familiar symbols (STOP/GO signs, hearts, stars).
Build early social skills through sharing, helping, and group play.

Why Families Choose This Program

Evidence-Backed: Based on research into how toddlers develop language and literacy.
Play-Based: Learning through movement, music, art, and sensory exploration.
Confidence-Building: Every child participates at their own pace, with success measured by joy and engagement.
Parent-Friendly: Weekly take-home projects show progress without feeling like homework.
Small Group Size: Only 10 spots available for personalized attention.

Give your toddler the gift of language, confidence, and joy in learning — while enjoying peace of mind that their mornings are filled with meaningful, enriching experiences.

Enrollment & Terms

Children enroll by term. Each term is billed in 4-week increments of $1,100 (equivalent to $275/week). Fees are structured this way to reflect actual instructional weeks.