Communication
Toddlers understand far more than they can say. Educators name things, ask questions, read together and give children the words for what they see and feel.
Toddlers
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Toddlers · 1 to 3 years
One day they are holding your hand. The next, they are off to see what is around the corner.
The toddler years are all about growing independence. Children want to climb higher, do it themselves and say it in their own words, and they still need a safe base to come back to.
Our toddler rooms are built for both: playful days filled with movement, discovery and growing confidence, in a caring environment where a familiar educator is always close by.
What your child gets
Everything your toddler needs, every day
Qualified educators every day
Educators hold early childhood qualifications and are trained in first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma management.
Meals cooked fresh on site
A qualified chef prepares nutritious, allergy-friendly meals every day. Nothing extra to pack.
Extracurricular programs included
Playball physical education, music, mindfulness and language programs are included at no extra cost.
Staffed above legislated ratios
We go beyond the minimum ratios, so every toddler gets the individual attention they need.
Open 7.00am to 6.30pm
Long day care hours with no school holiday closures, and we stay open over the Christmas break, so your family has consistency year round.
Emerging independence
Room to try, and someone there when it gets tricky
Toddlers learn by doing.
Educators give children the time and space to try things for themselves, and step in with just enough help to keep them going. It is one of the four pillars of our curriculum: children think for themselves, share ideas and learn with guidance rather than force.
At mealtimes, our servery lets children watch their food being prepared and serve themselves. And when your family is ready for toilet training, we work closely with you on individually tailored strategies, with age-appropriate toilets close to both the playground and the classroom.
“The growth we’ve seen in her development has been incredible. The staff members are warm, nurturing, and genuinely passionate about what they do.”
Movement and physical exploration
Busy bodies, safe spaces
Toddlers are always on the move, so our spaces are designed to let them climb, balance, run and build strength with confidence.
Natural indoor and outdoor play areas give children room to explore, and supervision is central to how educators plan every space and routine.
Playball, a professional physical education program taught by trained coaches, runs classes for children from two years of age, and like all our extracurricular programs it is included at no extra cost.
“Always heaps of staff that care about your child and customise according to their needs. My son loves it there.”
What toddlers are learning
Growing in every direction
Alongside new words and new skills, toddlers are learning how to be with other people, and with their own big feelings.
Friendships
Playing alongside others, toddlers begin to take turns, share ideas and negotiate the rules of a game, building a sense of belonging in a group.
Big feelings
Educators stay calm and close through the big moments, help children name what they feel and guide them back to calm, so over time they learn to do it themselves.
Curiosity and problem solving
Play is how toddlers make sense of the world
We strongly value learning through play.
Our programs are documented, flexible and responsive to the changing interests of the children, so when a group becomes fascinated by something, that curiosity can shape what happens next.
Open-ended materials, the natural environment and our organic fruit and vegetable garden invite toddlers to wonder, test ideas and solve small problems for themselves.
“The educators are incredible, my son genuinely loves them, and I can see that they care about him so much.”
Family partnership
Working with you through every new stage
Toddlerhood brings new milestones quickly, from first words to toilet training to first friendships.
We share what we see in the room through daily reflections and individual portfolios, and we want to hear what is happening at home too, so your child gets the same support in both places. You know your child best, and we respect that.
“My son has always been treated with so much care and kindness, which made a huge difference for us as parents.”
Why families choose Elles Belles
Family owned, and parents too
Elles Belles is a proud, private, family-owned childcare and kindergarten. Our own children have attended Elles Belles, and decisions are made by parents who understand the trust you are placing in us, never by a head office far away.
- Meals cooked fresh on site every day by qualified chefs
- Staffed above the legislated ratios
- Extracurricular programs included at no extra cost
- Open 7.00am to 6.30pm, including over the Christmas break
Good to know
Toddler questions
For anything we have not answered, email us at opsmanager@ellesbelles.com.au or ask on your tour.
We collaborate closely with your family to provide support with individually tailored strategies to address toilet training challenges. Our purpose-built campuses are equipped with convenient nappy changing benches and age-appropriate toilets, easily accessible from both the outdoor playground and inside the classroom.
We request that each child has a bag for their personal belongings. Families should ensure that all their children’s belongings are clearly labelled. To assist us in meeting all your child’s needs, we ask that the following items are provided:
- A beanie and warm jacket for winter
- Change of clothes for all weather conditions (including enough underwear if toilet training)
- Ready-made bottles or pre-measured formula and sterilised bottles (if required)
- Comforters (refer to our sleeping and rest requirements policy on-premises)
- Drink bottle containing strictly water
Every child is provided with an Elles Belles hat. It must be brought every day during the SunSmart months.
When you enrol, you will select your child’s permanent days of attendance. We expect your child to attend on these days each week until you notify us, in accordance with our policy, of your intention to reduce permanent care days. Throughout your child’s learning journey with us, you are welcome to increase or change permanent care days, subject to availability. Please consult the Campus Directors to check if there are vacancies for the days you wish to change to.
Yes. Our incursions are planned around themes based on the children’s learning and interests. We also offer extracurricular activities related to music, language, or physical activity at all our campuses, at no extra cost.
Ready to visit?
Come and see where
toddlers thrive
Book a tour of Cheltenham or Ormond to see the rooms and meet the team. Still researching? The Early Learning Hub is a good place to start.