Ones

Ones (12-24 Months)

Our Ones Program is designed for curious toddlers who are beginning to explore their independence and the world around them. This stage is full of movement, discovery, and rapid development, and our classrooms are thoughtfully structured to support it.

Through hands-on activities, guided play, music, and language-rich interactions, one year olds build early communication skills, social awareness, and self-help abilities. Teachers encourage exploration while providing consistent routines that help children feel secure as they learn to navigate transitions and group settings.

This program nurtures confidence, curiosity, and joyful learning during a time of incredible growth.

Class Overview

  • Names of Classes: Pandas & Koalas

  • Days of the Week: Our Ones have the option of two days a week (Tues./Thurs.), Three days a week (Mon./Wed./Fri.), or all five days.

  • Hours: 9-1pm

  • Staff-to-Child Ratio: 2:12

  • Max # of Students: 12 Students

  • Chapel & Family Chapel: Our two’s through VPK classes attend chapel once a week on Wednesdays. We also host a Family Chapel once a month and encourage parents and grandparents to join us.

Classroom Layout

Welcome to our ones classroom, where the environment is designed to cater to the unique needs and interests of our one year old students. Grounded in principles of safety, exploration, and imaginative play, the space encourages one year olds to embark on a journey of discovery. Soft, inviting areas offer a sense of comfort, while vibrant learning centers, including art corners, sensory spaces, and interactive play zones, promote cognitive and motor skills development. With low shelves providing easy access to age appropriate toys and materials, the classroom encourages independent exploration. A dedicated circle time area fosters social interaction and group engagement, promoting language development and cooperation.

Child painting with carrot

Entrance and Cubbies:

  • A designated area for parents to sign in/out their child along with drop off and pick up their children.
  • For each child to store their labeled belongings.

Main Play Area:

  • Open space for various activities and play.
  • Low shelves with accessible toys and materials for independent play.
  • Interest areas include dramatic play, blocks and sensory play.

Quiet Area:

  • A cozy corner with soft cushions or mats for reaching books or quiet activities.
  • Soft toys or stuffed animals for comfort.

Art and Creative Expression:

  • Low tables and chairs for art projects and creative activities.
  • Art supplies such as crayons, markers, paints and paper.
  • Display boards or walls to showcase children’s artwork.

Circle Time Area:

  • A designated carpeted space for group activities and circle time.
  • An inviting area for teacher to lead songs, read stories and engage that children in group discussions.

Learning Centers:

  • Clearly defined learning centers for activities like fine motor skills, cognitive development and imaginative play.
  • Centers might include a sensory table, block area, manipulative toys and more.

Bathroom and Diaper Changing Area:

  • Child sized toilets or potties.
  • Changing tables equipped to safely clean each child.

Storage and Organization:

  • Ample storage for toys, supplies and children’s belongings.
  • Labeled bins and shelves for easy organization.

Safety Measures:

  • Childproofing measures to ensure a safe environment.
  • Classroom video surveillance to ensure safety.

Outdoor Play Area:

  • Access to a secure and age appropriate outdoor play equipment to enhance gross motor skills.
  • Shaded area with ample space available to play and explore.

Our Schedules & Routines

A structured daily schedule is like a roadmap that ensures smooth navigation through daily activities. It provides children with a sense of predictability and security, knowing what to expect and when.

By setting consistent daily activities we create a reassuring routine that children can rely on. They know that after playtime, it’s time for a story and after that its snack time. This predictability not only fosters a sense of security but also helps children transition smoothly between activities. It strikes a balance that nurtures their cognitive, social and emotional development and enriches their overall growth.

Sample Classroom Schedule

Time Activity
9:00 am Arrival
9:00 am – 9:30 am Greeting/Classroom Time/Free Play
9:30 am – 9:50 am Handwashing & Snack
9:50 am – 10:00 am Diapering/Free Play
10:00 am – 10:30 am Playground
10:30 am – 12:00 pm Free Play, Open Centers, Music & Movement, Art, Outdoor Nature Activities
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Handwashing & Lunch
12:30 pm – 12:45 pm Diapering/Free Play/Prepare for Nap/Pick-up
1:00 pm Dismissal

Our One’s Team

All teachers and staff that interact with the children have undergone and passed extensive background checks, as mandated by state and local licensing requirements. Teaching staff are certified in CPR and First Aid. Our teachers engage in continuous training on the best practices in early childhood education.

Stephanie Evans Toddlers Teacher

Stephanie Evans

One Year Old Teacher

Ms. Stephanie is our Lead Ones Teacher and brings six years of early childhood education experience to the classroom, along with the heart of a mom to two beautiful children. She has completed required DCF training hours, is CPR certified, and has hands-on experience working with children from infancy through school age.

Ms. Stephanie loves watching children grow “right before her eyes” and believes that kindness is the most important part of teaching. She creates a nurturing classroom where one year olds feel safe, supported, and encouraged as they learn through play and exploration. She wants families to know how much joy she finds in seeing children learn and develop each day.

She incorporates character and kindness through books, gentle redirection, and positive guidance. Ms. Stephanie enjoys reading Llama Llama Red Pajama and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, engaging children in sensory play and music, and has been part of the WPPP family for six months. She especially values the strong relationships she builds with families, staff, and children.

Melanie Slazas - Toddlers Teacher

Melanie Slazas

One Year Old Teacher

Ms. Mel is our Lead Ones Teacher and brings 12 years of experience in early childhood education to the classroom. She is passionate about supporting children as they grow and develop, and believes every child is unique and deserves a stimulating environment where they can thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Ms. Mel loves watching children’s personalities emerge and finds joy in helping shape strong individual character during these important early years. She wants families to know that their child’s safety, care, and well-being are always her top priority, and that each child is shown genuine love and attention every day.

She incorporates kindness, faith, and character through encouraging proper manners, singing songs about faith, and sharing prayers before lunch. Ms. Mel enjoys engaging children during circle time, reading animated stories that capture their attention, and has been part of the WPPP family for almost one year. She especially values the children, families, and dedicated staff that make WPPP such a special place.

Alyssa Cobb Toddlers Teacher

Alyssa Cobb

Assistant One Year Old Teacher

Ms. Alyssa is a Ones Assistant Teacher and has been passionate about early childhood education since high school, when she began working in a preschool setting. She is DCF certified and has previously earned her CDA, bringing both experience and heart into the classroom.

Ms. Alyssa loves helping children learn to love learning and believes in guiding each child to discover their unique strengths with confidence. She creates an environment where every child is celebrated for who they truly are, not who they are expected to be. As a mom herself, she brings the same care, dedication, and encouragement to her students that she gives her own child.

She incorporates kindness, faith and character by modeling positivity and being a supportive, nurturing presence in the classroom. Ms. Alyssa enjoys reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, engaging children in process art, and has been part of the WPPP community since August 2025. She especially values the close, supportive relationships between staff, families, and students that make WPPP feel like home.

Jackie Morales - Toddlers Assistant Teacher

Jackie Morales

Assistant One Year Old Teacher

Ms. Jackie is our Ones Assistant Teacher and has three and a half years of experience in early childhood education. She is DCF certified and is currently working toward her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Jackie loves working with children from infancy through age five and finds great joy in watching them learn and grow.

Ms. Jackie believes the most important part of her classroom is creating a calm, welcoming environment where children feel safe and supported. She knows that what truly makes the classroom special is the children themselves and works hard to ensure each child feels valued and cared for every day.

She incorporates kindness and character by encouraging children to be kind to their friends and by providing a safe space where little ones can calm their bodies and feel secure. Ms. Jackie enjoys reading Pete the Cat books, especially loves art and music activities, and has been part of the WPPP family for one month. She values the school’s peaceful atmosphere and the friendly, supportive teaching team.

We foster independent thinking…

Giving kids freedom, let them try, let them fail, encourage them, let them succeed, and rejoice with them!