Tadpoles 1 and 2
Carousel’s Tadpoles classrooms serve children ages 12 to 36 months. Tadpoles 1 and Tadpoles 2 are warm, predictable, relationship-centered environments where very young children feel safe to explore, discover, and grow.
Our Approach
We believe the earliest years are the most important. Everything we do in Tadpoles is grounded in developmentally appropriate practice and the Pyramid Model for Social Emotional Learning. Our teachers focus first on building secure, consistent relationships with every child and family. Daily routines are intentional and responsive — we follow children’s cues while providing the structure and predictability that very young children need to thrive.
Learning at this age happens through play, sensory exploration, language-rich interactions, and loving relationships with trusted adults. Activities are hands-on, open-ended, and designed to support development across all domains — social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical. All curriculum is aligned with the Alaska Early Learning Guidelines.
Children in Tadpoles are never rushed. Caregiving routines like diapering, feeding, and transitions are treated as learning opportunities — moments for connection, language, and trust building between teacher and child.
A day in Tadpoles includes:
- Warm welcome and morning free choice
- AM Snack
- Intentional small group and large group activities
- Sensory and art exploration
- Music, movement, and read alouds
- Outdoor play
- Lunch
- Rest and quiet time
- Afternoon activities and free choice
- Supper
- Afternoon play and family pickup
