Sunnyside Toddler Program

Our classroom is conveniently located on the first floor of Haworth Hall.
Kids in a wagon on a playground

Sunnyside Toddler Program

We strive to provide toddlers with responsive and nurturing care, respect, and individualized learning opportunities, all within a family-centered and inclusive atmosphere. Our goal is to work collaboratively with each family and to help each child grow, develop, and achieve their fullest potential.
Teacher and child smiling at the camera

Curriculum

This program is overseen by two faculty supervisors: Drs. Pamela Neidert and Kelley Harrison and the program coordinator, Erin Herschell. The program is staffed by student teachers who are working toward a degree in Applied Behavioral Science. A full-time lead teacher and graduate students directly supervise undergraduate student teachers working in the program. Sunnyside's teachers and staff work to create an atmosphere in which toddlers are loved and supported.

Toddlers follow a schedule that includes snacks, lunch, and naps at regular times each day. During play times, teachers offer several different play activities. These are designed to encourage children to explore the world of people and objects and to experience the world directly with their bodies and through their senses. Additionally, Sunnyside teachers and staff create individualized goals and objectives to promote learning across all developmental domains. Our curriculum provides learning opportunities for social skills, big movements, small movements, concept formation, language, and self-help. Our goal is for children to develop a love of learning and willingness to experiment. We also want to help children develop a sense of confidence in themselves and trust in other people.  

We offer:

  • Enrollment for toddlers ages 12-30 months
  • A full-day inclusive childcare program (i.e., typically developing toddlers, toddlers with diverse abilities, developmental disabilities, language, and cultural differences, or who are at-risk for behavioral problems)
  • A focus on developmentally appropriate learning through exploring books, stories, art, music, social interactions, and play
  • An environment that encourages independence through self-care skills, teaching children to ask for help, and other activities
  • An environment that fosters an active approach to challenging prejudice, stereotyping, and bias through teaching inclusion and anti-bias behavior

    Schedule

    We operate from 7:45 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Our program follows the university semester schedule and is closed during fall and spring breaks, intersessions, and all university holidays

    Fees

    Tuition fees may vary. For additional information, please contact the program coordinator at: cdcinfo@ku.edu or 785-864-3498.

    Contact Edna A. Hill Child Development Center

    cdcinfo@ku.edu

    (785) 864-3498

    1001 Dole Human Development Center, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045