Toddler Programs Northern Denver | The Academy ECE
The toddler years are filled with big feelings, rapid growth, and beautiful firsts. First friendships. First words. First moments of independence. As a parent, choosing where your toddler spends their day is not a small decision. You want a place where your child is safe, deeply cared for, and gently guided as they begin to understand the world around them. Families searching for a northern Denver toddler preschool program often tell us they are looking for more than basic child care. They want a school that feels like an extension of home, where their child is seen, understood, and supported through every emotion and milestone. At The Academy, we provide a nurturing early childhood education program rooted in relationships, trust, and meaningful learning. Our toddler preschool program in northern Denver blends a research-based curriculum with hands-on activities, play, and loving guidance. Every experience is thoughtfully designed to support emotional development, early learning, and a strong sense of security.
Schedule a tour and see why so many families searching for the best toddler preschool northern Denver choose The Academy as their child's first school experience.
Welcome to The Academy Early Childhood Education Centers
Our unique educational approach combines the Creative Curriculum with project and play-based learning, encouraging creativity, critical thinking and comprehensive skill development. Each day, our young learners embark on a journey of discovery, exploring their interests through hands-on projects. Explore the possibilities of a joyful and impactful education at The Academy!
Our Early Education Toddler Program Enrollment
Ages Served
12 months to 36 months (Two programs: younger toddlers 12 to 24 months, older toddlers 24 to 36 months)
Location
The Academy Arvada and The Academy Westminster, conveniently located for families across northern Denver and the Denver area
Schedule Options
Full-time early childhood education programs available; contact school for specific scheduling
Hours
Monday through Friday, 6:45 AM to 5:30 PM
Potty Training Required
No. Potty learning is supported gently when your child shows readiness, with guidance and consistency between school and home.
Curriculum Focus
Our early childhood education program for toddlers is guided by an age-appropriate curriculum that supports emotional development, language growth, physical coordination, and early learning. We use a research-based curriculum that combines the Creative Curriculum with hands-on, project-based learning to lay strong foundations for kindergarten and lifelong success. Our educators guide your little ones through hands-on activities that support emotional growth, early education skills, and social development. Every experience is rooted in warmth, patience, and respect for your child's age and individuality.
Daily Routine
Toddlers thrive on consistency, which is why each day includes a warm morning welcome, hands-on activities, small group learning, outdoor play, and calm transitions. These predictable rhythms help your little one feel safe, confident, and ready to explore.
Classroom Experience
Our toddler classrooms feel like a gentle extension of home. Each space is carefully designed to support early childhood learning through exploration, play, and connection. Learning areas invite toddlers to move, touch, experiment, and discover at their own pace.
About Our Northern Denver Preschool Program For Toddlers
Choosing a toddler program means trusting others with your child's earliest learning experiences. We take that trust seriously. Since 1994, The Academy has supported children from toddlerhood through pre-kindergarten, with a commitment to quality, care, and meaningful relationships. Our early childhood education program is grounded in research and guided by heart. Studies show that high-quality early education supports emotional well-being, school readiness, and long-term success. Our toddler program is intentionally designed to support these outcomes while honoring the joy, wonder, and tenderness of early childhood.
From Ages 12 Months to 36 Months: Supporting Early Childhood Development
Between 12 and 36 months, your child experiences some of the most meaningful growth of early childhood. Language begins to bloom, emotions become big and expressive, and a strong desire for independence starts to emerge. At The Academy, we honor this remarkable stage by meeting your toddler exactly where they are, with warmth, patience, and an early childhood education program designed to support the whole child. During these years, our program intentionally supports key developmental milestones outlined by the CDC, including early communication and vocabulary development, emerging number awareness, coordination and motor development, social interaction with peers, emotional regulation, and growing independence through practical life skills. Every experience is designed to foster curiosity, strengthen relationships, and encourage joyful early learning, all within a safe and nurturing school environment where your child's well-being comes first.
Math and Numbers
Through simple games, hands-on materials, and playful exploration, toddlers begin discovering numbers in ways that feel natural and encouraging. Counting, sorting, and early number recognition help your child build confidence and early problem-solving skills that gently support their transition into preschool programs and pre-k learning.
Reading and Language Development
Our reading area is a calm, welcoming space filled with familiar books, letter cards, and early literacy tools that invite toddlers to listen, explore, and engage. Shared reading moments support vocabulary growth, early letter recognition, and communication skills, while also strengthening emotional connection and nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
Dramatic Play
Through imaginative play with costumes, puppets, and child-sized tools, toddlers explore social roles and begin expressing their thoughts and feelings. Dramatic play encourages communication, empathy, and confidence, helping young children better understand themselves, others, and the world around them.
Practical Life Skills
Everyday moments become meaningful learning experiences as toddlers practice holding a cup, using a spoon, and caring for their environment. These simple but important skills foster independence, coordination, and a sense of pride, all while supporting emotional development and self-confidence.
Manipulative Play
Stacking, building, sorting, and working with hands-on tools strengthen gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, focus, and perseverance. These manipulative play experiences support concentration and problem-solving, laying strong foundations for preschool learning and future kindergarten readiness.
Physical Movement and Outdoor Play
Movement is essential for healthy toddler development. Children enjoy outdoor play every day, weather permitting, in age-appropriate playground spaces that encourage balance, coordination, and body confidence. When temperatures fall below 40 degrees or rise above 90 degrees, toddlers enjoy indoor movement experiences. Three times each week, children also participate in enrichment activities within our facility that support physical development and joyful movement.
Project-Based Learning and Child-Centered Projects
Toddlers engage in simple, meaningful projects inspired by topics that naturally spark curiosity, such as trees, buildings, or clothing. These child-centered projects unfold over several weeks and are gently woven into morning gatherings, interest areas, and small-group learning. Through project work, toddlers begin learning to collaborate, think critically, and express their ideas and emotions in age-appropriate ways, building confidence and curiosity that support early learning.
Our Northern Denver Toddler Program Enrollment and Registration
Enrollment begins with a warm, relaxed tour of our school so you can picture your child learning, playing, and forming meaningful relationships. Our conveniently located facilities across northern Denver are thoughtfully designed to support young children with care, safety, and intention. Schedule your tour today.
Why Families Choose Our Toddler Preschool Near Northern Denver
Families choose The Academy because they feel confident their child is deeply cared for and thoughtfully guided each day. Our school is a place where relationships come first and where every child is valued as an individual.
Families trust us because:
- Our highly qualified, educated, and experienced guides/teachers are passionate about early childhood education and truly want to make a difference in your child's life.
- Teachers/classroom guides are held to the highest standards and participate in ongoing early childhood education training throughout the year to continue growing professionally.
- All staff maintain current First Aid, CPR, and Universal Precautions training to ensure safety and peace of mind.
- Our research-based curriculum supports early learning and school readiness benchmarks that prepare children for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten.
- Classrooms are designed with diverse learning zones, including reading nooks, science corners, art stations, and block-building areas that invite exploration and problem-solving.
- Small-group learning allows classroom guides to build strong relationships and support students' emotional development in meaningful ways.
- Our approach is gentle, non-pressured, and non-competitive, encouraging confidence, curiosity, and positive self-esteem
Families also take comfort in knowing that our students thrive as they grow. Ninety-six percent of our students meet or exceed the GOLD Readiness Benchmark, the national gold standard used by leading private preschools to measure kindergarten readiness. Our students consistently outperform national averages and move into the next stage of education confident, capable, and eager to learn.
Schedule a Tour of Our Child Care Centers Near Central Park Neighborhood
We would love to welcome your family and introduce you to our toddler child care centers, where early learning, play, and connection come together. Schedule a tour today and discover why families across northern Denver, Colorado, trust The Academy as their early childhood education center.
Other Early Childhood Education Programs Available
Our infant program provides a safe, nurturing environment where your baby is supported through responsive caregiving and strong, trusting relationships.
Our preschool program builds on the toddler years by nurturing curiosity, confidence, and early academic skills through hands-on learning, meaningful play, and caring guidance in our Arvada and Westminster campuses.
Our pre-kindergarten program thoughtfully prepares children for kindergarten by strengthening independence, early literacy and math, social-emotional growth, and a love of learning through a research-based curriculum.
Endeavor Essentials includes creative arts, movement, and physical fitness. At the same time, Endeavor Plus STEM introduces hands-on science and technology experiences, giving children joyful opportunities to express themselves, build confidence, and explore how the world works.
A safe and engaging before- and after-school program for 5 to 12-year-olds, where children build confidence and leadership through homework support, creative arts enrichment, hands-on learning, and active play.
An energetic summer camp experience where children explore creative themed adventures through hands-on arts, science, games, and discovery while building friendships and unforgettable summer memories.
Other Programs Available at Parker Landing
Our infant program provides a safe, nurturing environment where your baby is supported through responsive caregiving and strong, trusting relationships.
Our preschool program builds on the toddler years by nurturing curiosity, confidence, and early academic skills through hands-on learning, meaningful play, and caring guidance in our Arvada and Westminster campuses.
Our pre-kindergarten program thoughtfully prepares children for kindergarten by strengthening independence, early literacy and math, social-emotional growth, and a love of learning through a research-based curriculum.
Endeavor Essentials includes creative arts, movement, and physical fitness. At the same time, Endeavor Plus STEM introduces hands-on science and technology experiences, giving children joyful opportunities to express themselves, build confidence, and explore how the world works.
A safe and engaging before- and after-school program for 5 to 12-year-olds, where children build confidence and leadership through homework support, creative arts enrichment, hands-on learning, and active play.
An energetic summer camp experience where children explore creative themed adventures through hands-on arts, science, games, and discovery while building friendships and unforgettable summer memories.
Parent Reviews
Stephanie G.
June 4, 2025
We love the staff, the curriculum, and the very caring teachers, who have always been there to meet my daughter where she is at and recognize her needs. I would 100% recommend the Academy!!
Felicia M.
May 20, 2025
My daughter has been going to The Academy since she turned 2. She's 5 now and going to start kindergarten in the fall. We love The Academy teachers and all staff. Everyone pitches in and has always been responsive to any requests/questions we've had. We get the regular updates to the app, which are also helpful. Love when we get the pictures. 🙂
Abbey M.
April 8, 2025
The transition into the new program was smooth and stress-free, thanks to the warm and welcoming staff. It’s clear that everyone genuinely cares and is committed to supporting the child & their families.
Kelsey M.
March 11, 2025
We love the Academy. The teachers are nurturing, caring, and communicative. We have had a positive experience for all 3 of our children from 1yr old through Pre-K.
Colynn W.
March 11, 2025
We love Ms Nicole!! Our kiddo has such a close relationship with her. He has been learning so much in her class. Skills like dressing himself as well as daily routines and fun art projects. We love that he gets gym time especially when the weather isn’t nice enough for the kids to be outside. Everyday we drop him off knowing that he’s having a great time, learning, and feeling safe.
Robin C.
March 4, 2025
The staff makes it feel so welcoming and I know that my daughters are loved and taken care of. I like that there is a curriculum that is about exploring and questioning.
Corinne R.
November 26, 2024
The teachers really care about your kiddos and everyone in the building knows your kiddo even if they are not their teacher.
Amy G.
November 12, 2024
The staff is amazing! Everyone greets you with a smile and you can tell they truly care for our kids. We have been at multiple other daycares and the academy is on a whole other level. They have such a well run school and we always feel good knowing our daughter is there being well taken care of.
Emily Y.
August 21, 2024
Love this school! My daughter couldn’t be happier. Great staff, fun events, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Eric B.
July 9, 2024
We have seen our daughter grow by leaps and bounds while in the trusted care of Sally and her team. Every morning we are greeted by name and a smiling face by the entire staff. At pickup time it’s usually a challenge to get her to leave because she is having too much fun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Denver Preschool Program
Our early childhood education program is designed specifically for toddlers, supporting emotional development, learning through play, and strong relationships in a nurturing school environment. Research from Harvard's Center on the Developing Child shows that responsive early education experiences help young children succeed socially and academically later in life, which is why families across the Denver area trust our program.
Schedule A Tour
Begin your search for a preschool provider you can truly trust and discover the gold standard in early childhood education. Schedule a visit to our school, explore our welcoming city location, and see how we create a nurturing place where children and families feel at home from the very first day.