Our Toddler
Program
Making Sense of Their World.
The Habitat Toddler program boasts a unique identity within the school, offering a calm, nurturing atmosphere and emotionally safe space that reinforces each child’s emerging skills and builds a sense of community. Learning objectives include language, physical and motor coordination, socialization, sensory and perception, and problem solving. Here, young children are stimulated by activities that challenge, engage, and promote self-esteem and independence. Toilet training is also supported as each child is ready and interested, always in a no-pressure environment. Toddler students at Habitat enjoy active outside play every school day, both in our playground space and our half-acre outdoor classroom.
TOUR Our Toddler
CLASSROOM VIRTUALLY
A Day In The Life.
Our toddlers begin their day learning to confidently separate from their parents or caregivers. They are greeted by and learn to greet our toddler staff with warmth and calm encouragement, beginning the daily grace and courtesy routine here at Habitat. Throughout the day, students choose their work in the prepared environment guided by their teachers during the work cycle. Based on their individual needs and development stage, students may also work on potty training/toileting as part of their care for self and independence. Mid-morning, students come together for circle time (music, dance, movement and group presentation) followed by a snack. Every day students spend time exploring and working in the outdoor classroom and exercising their gross motor skills on the playground before ending with farewells as they return to their caregivers.
Meet the Teachers
Kayla Pappas
Toddler Lead Teacher
Kayla began her teaching career with an Undergraduate Degree in Art Education from Herron School of Art and Design. She taught Ceramics for the Saturday School Program at Herron for 3 years. She took time off after college to travel the world and gain experiences from different cultures. Kayla has traveled all over the United States, France, Germany, Italy, The Rivera’s and Mexico. After her travels, she pursued a career as a Registered Behavioral Technician working with children with Autism. Covid had an impact on that pursuit and so she went into the food and hospitality industry, learning a lot about fine cuisine and beverages along the way. Whenever she is not traveling or working, Kayla is staying busy with her earring business and ceramic projects. She loves hiking, reading, films, music, and hanging out with her partner and their 3 beloved pets.
Jocelyn Gillespie
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Rest Time Supervisor
Jocelyn has a diverse background in childcare, literacy tutoring, the arts, and hands-on outdoor work. She worked as a toddler caregiver before joining Circle City Readers, where she tutored kindergarten through third-grade students and helped them build confidence in their reading skills. Through volunteering with WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms), she gained experience in gardening, animal care, sustainable living, and cultural exchange. And continues to work outdoors for Spotts Garden Service during the summer. Jocelyn enjoys encouraging curiosity, creativity, and independence through hands-on learning and is excited to continue supporting children as they grow and discover the world around them. Outside of work, she enjoys the water, camping, soccer, traveling, and creating art.