The Best Daycare Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Daycare is not only a place where children are cared for, but it's also a nurturing environment where they can develop crucial skills through fun and engaging activities. Toddlers and preschoolers, in particular, benefit from a variety of activities that help foster 

their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. In this blog post, we’ll highlight 

some of the best daycare activities for toddlers and preschoolers that promote learning, 

creativity, and fun.

1. What Are Some Fun Activities for Toddlers? Toddlers are naturally curious and love to explore the world around them. Fun activities for 

toddlers at daycare can include:

• Building Blocks and Puzzles: Simple building blocks or puzzles help toddlers with 

  problem-solving, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.

  
  

• Sensory Bins: A sensory bin filled with rice, beans, or water can provide a tactile experience that engages toddlers in hands-on learning.

  
  

• Interactive Songs: Singing songs with actions like "The Wheels on the Bus" encourages toddlers to follow directions and develop motor skills.

  
  

• Art and Craft: Toddlers love getting creative, whether it’s through finger painting or

  creating collages. Art activities help them express their imagination and develop fine

  motor skills.
  

These activities not only provide entertainment but also help with essential

developmental milestones.

2. How Do I Prepare My 2-Year-Old for Daycare? Preparing your 2-year-old for daycare can make the transition smoother for both you and your child. Here are some steps to help:

• Visit the Daycare Together: Spend time with your child at the daycare before their

  first day. This can help them become familiar with the space and staff.
  

• Establish a Routine: Toddlers thrive on consistency. Try to establish a regular morning

  and evening routine leading up to the daycare start date.
  

• Talk About Daycare: Talk to your child about the fun things they’ll experience at

  daycare, such as playing with new friends and doing arts and crafts.
  

• Bring Comfort Items: A favorite toy or blanket can help ease any anxieties and give

  your child a sense of security while they’re away from home.
  

Making these preparations can help your toddler feel more comfortable and excited

about their new daycare experience.

3. What Are the Playtime Ideas for a 2-Year-Old?

Playtime is a crucial part of your 2-year-old’s development, and daycare is the perfect

environment for them to explore different activities. Here are some playtime ideas:

Pretend Play: Encouraging toddlers to engage in pretend play with toys like dolls,

kitchen sets, or toolkits helps them develop social and language skills.

• Outdoor Exploration: Nature walks or trips to the playground are great opportunities

  for physical exercise and exploring the outdoors.
  

• Interactive Books: Books with flaps, textures, or sound effects can captivate a

  toddler’s attention while helping them learn about animals, colors, and numbers.
  

• Stacking Toys: Stacking cups or rings helps toddlers improve their hand-eye

  coordination and understanding of sizes and shapes.
  

These playtime activities provide a perfect mix of fun and learning, keeping toddlers

engaged and developing important skills.

4. How to Help a Toddler Cope with Daycare?

Adjusting to daycare can be a big change for toddlers. To help your little one cope,

consider these tips:

• Be Positive: Children can sense your emotions. Talk about daycare in a positive way

  and focus on the exciting aspects, like meeting new friends.
  

• Gradual Separation: If possible, try a gradual separation process where you spend

  shorter periods of time at daycare before the full-time transition.
  

• Consistent Drop-Off Routine: Create a simple, predictable drop-off routine. A hug,

  kiss, and a few reassuring words can help your toddler feel secure.
  

• Stay Calm: If your toddler cries during drop-off, it’s important to stay calm. Reassure

  them that you’ll be back to pick them up soon and leave confidently.

With these strategies, your toddler can gradually adjust to daycare and feel more

comfortable in their new environment.

Looking for a Great Toddler Program?

At BandJ Daycare, we offer a variety of programs specifically designed to help toddlers

grow, learn, and thrive. Our New Toddler Program focuses on structured learning activities

that engage toddlers and help them develop important skills for the future. Explore our

program to give your toddler a fun, enriching daycare experience!