If you are running on three hours of sleep and wondering how a small human can have that much energy, you are not alone. The toddler stage is wonderful and completely exhausting at the same time. The tantrums, the "NO!", the sprinting toward danger, the meltdown over the wrong colour cup. It is a lot.
Here is what we want you to know: we genuinely love this age. Our team at Love Kids is trained for exactly this stage, and our toddler care in Coquitlam is built around what toddlers actually need. Consistency, language, independence, and a safe place to work through big feelings. No judgment of your child, and no judgment of you.
When you drop off and head to work, you can breathe. We have got this.
What we focus on in the toddler years
Language explosion
The stretch from 18 months to 3 years is the biggest language growth window in a child's life. We do not let that pass quietly. Our educators talk with kids all day long. They narrate activities, read aloud, sing, and ask real questions that stretch thinking. Kids who grow up in language-rich settings are more ready for school and better at communicating. Every single moment is a chance to build that.
Managing big feelings
Toddlers feel everything at full volume before they have the words to explain it. That is why meltdowns happen. We use calm redirection and emotion naming, things like "You are really frustrated right now." We help kids start learning how to handle big feelings in a healthy way. No yelling, no shaming, no harsh discipline. We model the calm we want to see.
Building independence
"Me do it!" might be one of the best things a toddler can say. We celebrate it. We give kids time to try self-feeding, help with dressing, pour their own water, and pick between activities. Yes, it is messier and slower. It is also exactly how confident kids are built. We set up the space so they can actually do it, and then let them feel proud of themselves for doing it.
Learning to play together
At 18 months, toddlers play beside each other. That is totally normal. By age 3, they start playing with each other: sharing ideas, taking turns, working toward the same goal. We do not rush it, but we do help it along. Through small group activities, turn-taking games, and gentle coaching, kids learn how friendships work. By the time they move into preschool, they are ready to be part of a group.
A typical toddler day at Love Kids
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 – 8:00 am | Arrival, free play, and quiet morning settling |
| 8:00 – 8:30 am | Morning snack and table time conversation |
| 8:30 – 9:15 am | Sensory play and hands-on exploration activities |
| 9:15 – 9:45 am | Circle time, songs, stories, and language activities |
| 9:45 – 11:00 am | Outdoor play and gross motor development |
| 11:00 – 11:30 am | Lunch, supported self-feeding and social conversation |
| 11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Rest time / nap, quiet music, individual comfort items welcome |
| 1:30 – 2:15 pm | Afternoon snack and calm wake-up activities |
| 2:15 – 4:00 pm | Art, imaginative play, and small group activities |
| 4:00 – 6:00 pm | Outdoor play, family pickup, and end-of-day free play |
From infant care all the way to preschool
Lots of Love Kids families start with us in our infant care program and then move into the toddler room as their child grows. From there, the next step is our preschool program, where all the skills from the toddler years become the foundation for early learning.
That kind of continuity matters. Your child does not have to start over somewhere new at every stage. The space is familiar, the educators already know them, and the friendships they have made keep growing too. For you, it means less worry at drop-off, more trust in the process, and a team that truly knows your child. We are not just a daycare in Coquitlam you pass through. We are a community your family becomes part of.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range is the toddler program?
Our toddler program is for children aged 18 months to 3 years. The timing for moving from the infant room or up to preschool is flexible. We go by your child's readiness, not just their birthday. We figure that out with you together.
How do you handle separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is completely normal at this age, and we take it seriously. We help families build a short, warm, consistent drop-off routine so your child knows what to expect. Our educators are trained to help kids transition quickly after a parent leaves. Most kids settle within a few minutes once the routine clicks. And if you are worried, we are happy to send you a quick update about how the morning went.
Do you help with toilet training?
Yes. Toilet training is a team effort between us and your family. We follow your child's lead and your timing, not a strict schedule. When you are ready to start at home, tell us and we will do the same thing here. Consistency between home and toddler care in Coquitlam is the biggest factor in making it work.
How do you manage biting and hitting?
Biting and hitting are actually very common in the toddler years. Kids do them because they do not yet have the words for what they are feeling. We respond calmly every time: we address it right away, support both children, and help the child figure out what to do instead. We also look for patterns like tiredness or hunger that trigger these moments, and we adjust the day when we see them. You will always hear about it the same day.
What is the toddler-to-caregiver ratio?
We meet or exceed BC licensing requirements for toddler care. The goal is always real individual attention, not just supervision. Smaller groups also mean our educators get to know each child well and can give you a real update at pickup, not just "they had a good day."
How do I get started?
Just reach out. Call us at 604-338-8020 or use the contact form on our website. We can answer your questions, tell you about availability, and book a tour if you want to come see the space. No pressure and no sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about whether we are a good fit for your family.
Life at Love Kids
