Toddler Childcare 1-2 years

WOBBLY WALKERS, BUSY HANDS, AND BIG FEELINGS. OUR LITTLE SCHOLARS TODDLER PROGRAM NURTURES INDEPENDENCE, WITHOUT LOSING THE SAFETY NET.

Why Toddler Families across South East Queensland trust Little Scholars

Warm routines, clear boundaries, and active supervision. So your toddler can explore safely (and you can exhale).
Toddler Happy At Little Scholars

Toddlerhood is a busy, magical time filled with new words, big feelings and “I do it!” moments.

Our toddler childcare program is designed to support this leap in development, giving children aged 1–2 years safe spaces to move, explore, ask questions and practice doing things for themselves — with the support of trusted educators across our Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redland Bay and Ipswich campuses.

Toddler Happy At Little Scholars

Nurturing connections

Qualified, consistent educators helping toddlers feel emotionally secure, ease separation and build lasting trust.

Personalised care

Consistent routines for sleep and meals, plus experiences planned around your child’s interests and developmental stage.

Play-based learning

Experiences that build language, confidence,
coordination and problem solving.

Family partnership

Daily communication and updates so you always know how your child’s day has unfolded.

Our Toddler Environments

Our toddler studios are thoughtfully set up so children can make choices and move between quiet and active areas. Inside you’ll find cosy reading nooks, creative corners, construction zones and dramatic play spaces that reflect children’s interests. Outside, toddlers enjoy expansive playgrounds with sandpits, water play, climbing equipment, bikes and nature.

Toddler Watering The Plants

Learning through play in our toddler studios

Toddler Watering The Plants

Toddlers learn by doing. Our play-based toddler curriculum focuses on hands-on experiences that build language, thinking skills, coordination and problem solving — all within safe, stimulating environments.

We follow the 3a Abecedarian Approach to support rich conversations and early reading, encouraging toddlers to actively engage with books, sounds and language.

  • Sensory play: water, sand, playdough, messy trays and loose parts
  • Creative arts: painting, drawing, collage, music and movement
  • Dramatic play: home corner, dress-ups and role play
  • Construction: blocks, puzzles, stacking, building and simple STEM
  • Group times: songs, stories, early literacy and numeracy games

Strong relationships.
Big feelings supported.

Toddler Engaging With Early Educator At Little Scholar

Relationships are everything in our toddler studios. Consistent, caring educators get to know each child deeply, helping them feel safe, understood and ready to explore.

We gently guide toddlers through big emotions, friendships, separation and toilet training (when they’re ready!) with empathy and clear routines, building a strong sense of belonging and confidence.

Working in open partnership with you, we become an extension of your family, supporting your toddler’s wellbeing while giving you peace of mind.

Toddler Engaging With Early Educator At Little Scholar

A day in the life in our Toddler Studios

Toddlers thrive when they know what comes next. So we keep the rhythm consistent even when the toddler energy is not.

Our typical daily rhythm
Arrivals & Settle
6:30 – 9:00
  • Warm handover and quick routine check
  • Toddler chooses a comfortable first activity - books, blocks or home corner
Morning Rhythm
9:00 – 11:00
  • Sensory play and language-rich experiences — songs, stories, gross motor movement
  • Outdoor time and Bush Kinder experiences
  • Morning snack
Lunch & Wind-down
11:00 – 12:30
  • Meal time — practising self-help skills: spoons, cups, "I can try"
  • Calm transition to rest with stories and quiet songs
Rest
12:00 – 2:30
  • Supervised rest time following individual routines
  • Quiet alternatives available for non-sleepers
Afternoon Rhythm
2:30 – 6:30
  • Outdoor play, music and movement
  • Calmer creative choices as the day winds down
  • Afternoon snack and pick-up handover

Extracurricular Programs for Toddlers

Beyond the everyday — enriching experiences woven into your toddler's week.

Offered at all Little Scholars campuses across SE Queensland.

Note: Programs may vary by location. Contact your nearest campus for full list.

Bush Kinder: Outdoor Adventures for Curious Toddlers

Our Bush and Beach Kinder program gives toddlers regular, supervised time to explore local natural environments — parks, bushland and green spaces across SE Queensland.

Through climbing, collecting, listening and observing, toddlers build confidence, resilience and a deep connection to nature while developing physical, social and problem-solving skills.

It’s more than outdoor time — it’s one of the most developmentally powerful parts of our toddler program.

What’s included in your daily fee?

Toddler At The Table Play Based Learning With Early Educator At Little Scholar

Little Scholars toddler childcare across Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redland Bay and Ipswich includes everything your child needs with no surprises.

Your toddler's early learning journey starts here

Whether you're returning to work or ready for your toddler to thrive in a stimulating environment, our campuses across Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redland Bay and Ipswich are enrolling now for children aged 1–2 years. Come and see us.

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Common Questions

Your toddler questions answered.

Everything families want to know about our toddler childcare program in SE Queensland.

What age group is the toddler room at Little Scholars for?
Our toddler program is designed for children roughly 1–2 years old, across all our SE Queensland campuses — Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redland Bay and Ipswich. We use flexible groupings based on each child's stage of development rather than just their birthday, so your toddler is always with peers at a similar developmental level.
What does a typical day look like for toddlers at Little Scholars?
Toddlers thrive on predictability, so we keep the rhythm consistent. A typical day includes a warm arrival and settle-in, sensory and language-rich morning play, outdoor time or Bush Kinder, lunch and supervised rest, and an active afternoon with music, movement and creative play. The day ends with a warm handover and a summary of your toddler's day.
How do you support big emotions and behaviour in toddlers?
Big feelings are completely normal at this age — and our educators are trained to respond with empathy, consistency and calm. We use positive language, clear and predictable routines, and co-regulation strategies to help toddlers understand and manage their emotions. We never use shame or punishment, and we keep families informed and involved in behavioural support.
What kind of learning experiences do toddlers do?
Our play-based toddler curriculum includes sensory play (water, sand, playdough), creative arts (painting, music, movement), dramatic play (home corner, dress-ups), construction (blocks, puzzles, STEM), and group times with songs, stories and early literacy games. We also follow the Abecedarian Approach to support rich conversations and early language development.
How do you handle naps and rest time for toddlers?
We follow individual rest routines wherever possible. Supervised rest happens from midday, with quiet alternatives available for toddlers who no longer nap. We work with you to understand your child's sleep needs and adjust as they change over time.
Do you support toilet learning for toddlers?
Absolutely — but only when your child is developmentally ready. We follow your lead completely and never rush or pressure toddlers through this transition. Our educators provide consistent, encouraging support and keep you informed every step of the way, working as a team with your family to make the process as smooth as possible.
What meals and snacks are provided for toddlers?
All meals are freshly prepared onsite daily by a qualified chef. We provide three-course meals and snacks designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing toddlers, approved by Nutrition Australia. We accommodate allergies and dietary requirements, and our menus are designed to introduce toddlers to a wide variety of healthy foods. Nappies and wipes are also included in the daily fee.
How much outdoor play do toddlers get each day?
Every toddler gets outdoor time every single day — weather permitting. Our campuses have purpose-built outdoor play spaces with grass, sand, water play and climbing equipment. We also run our Bush and Beach Kinder program, where toddlers explore local parks and natural environments with their educators for structured outdoor learning experiences.
How do you keep parents informed about their toddler's day?
We use the Little Scholars family app to send real-time updates — photos, activity summaries, meal notes and milestone moments throughout the day. You'll also receive a warm verbal handover at pick-up, and your educator team is always available to chat about your toddler's progress and any questions you have.
How do you support toddlers transitioning to the next age group?
Transitions are handled gently and at your child's own pace. We work closely with families to plan the move to the next room, involving familiar educators wherever possible, visiting the new room with your child in advance, and sharing detailed developmental notes to ensure continuity of care. The goal is always a smooth, confident transition.
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Toddler Image

Your Go-To for Toddler Daycare in Brisbane, Redland Bay, Ipswich and on the Gold Coast

Our first priority is your child’s growth and development

At Little Scholars, we are proud to provide the best toddler childcare in South East Queensland.

Our first priority is your toddler’s growth and development; we nurture, teach and guide them so they can develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

It’s an approach that recognises how crucial the first few years are for a child’s development and ensures your toddler gets all the support they need to flourish during this time. We believe that both nature and digital technologies are important educational tools, which is why we instil a contemporary, sustainable and values-driven learning foundation in every curious little mind we have the honour of caring for.

We have toddler studios in our childcare campuses in Ipswich, Redland Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Find a campus near you and then contact us to book a tour or playdate. 

Learning Experiences

A magical time in their life and yours

When a child turns two, it really is a magical time in their life and yours. We understand that there are a lot of changes happening at this time, and we’re here to support and encourage your 2-year-old.

The Little Scholars team provides an environment where each individual child can grow and learn at their own pace, with activities designed specifically for the development of 2-year-olds. We also actively encourage parents to be involved in their child’s learning, so that you can both experience the joy of discovery together.

Communication and language development is a huge part of a 2-year-old’s development, which is why we help your child get to know sounds, words and language, including early literacy and numeracy and social and emotional development. Little Scholars follows the 3a Abecedarian Approach Australia to reading. This is where children are active in conversational reading, encouraging verbal and non-verbal communication, while sparking your child’s imagination and stimulating curiosity.

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Relationships

Our educators form strong bonds with the toddlers

In the toddler studios, we focus on relationships between our educators and our little scholars. Our educators form strong bonds with the toddlers, which ease the transition period of separation for the child from their parents, dealing with the big feelings that come with toddlerhood, as well as making transitions such as potty training easier.

Our dedicated educators ensure toddlers feel safe, secure and supported. Educators also recognise the need for fun, and plan programming thoughtfully so that your child is learning while playing. We recognise the incredible honour we have of educating and caring for children and do so passionately.

Play-Based Learning

Play-based learning, with stimulating activities and experiences for toddlers in childcare

Our 2-year-olds take part in play-based learning, with stimulating activities and experiences that are tailored to their busy bodies. This is a time when children are open to new challenges and discoveries, and we foster this innate curiosity with plenty of sensory activities and activities that get those bodies moving, from sports to yoga, bush and beach kinder to dance.

Inside we set up inviting, interesting, and uncluttered spaces for 2-year-olds to explore. The studios are made up of a variety of areas including cosy, quiet areas with comfortable rugs, chairs, blankets and pillows, as well as areas for building and construction, dining area, creative expression and arts, dramatic and imaginary play in our home corner, and more. Sensory play is a big part of our day, incorporating various materials and textures, allowing our toddlers to scoop, pour, mould, colour, fill, empty, mix and splash, with plenty of open-ended resources that offer a hands-on approach to their learning.

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Happy toddler in a black bucket hat emerging from the end of a bright orange tube slide, being greeted by a smiling Little Scholars educator in the outdoor play area
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Health & Wellness

Your toddler will have plenty of opportunities to explore and learn

Our enormous outdoor playgrounds are complete with water features, plants and nature spots, sandpits, and climbing equipment, all designed to test their co-ordination, balance, skills and strength, as well as including comfortable areas for unwinding with a book. Your toddler will have plenty of opportunities to explore, learn and make new friends.

We support your 2-year-old’s health with:

Safety and Security

Our facilities are designed with safety in mind

 At Little Scholars, our facilities are designed with safety in mind, with covered outdoor play areas and secure fencing to ensure your infant is safe and secure. We also ensure their sun safety by ensuring hats and bodies are well covered with appropriate clothing and regular applications of sunscreen.

If you are looking for the highest quality childcare for 2-year-olds that Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Redland have to offer, look no further than Little Scholars. Contact us today and book a tour of one of our campuses – we look forward to meeting you.

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Little Scholars Kids Enjoying Their Playtime Inside The Campus
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Your Toddler's Early Learning Journey Starts Here

Book a tour at your nearest campus today!

At Little Scholars, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where your child can thrive, learn, play and grow. Whether you’re preparing to return to work or simply want a nurturing environment for your toddler to grow, our experienced team is here to become part of your village and help you every step of the way.

Our Little Scholars Campuses are enrolling now for toddlers aged 1 – 2 years . Ready to book a visit? See the Toddler studio in action, meet our educators and learn about the Little Scholars difference.

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What activities do toddlers do in childcare?

Toddlers in childcare enjoy a mix of play-based and structured activities designed to support their growth. These include music and movement, storytelling, building blocks, art and craft, sensory play, and group games that encourage sharing and communication. Each activity is aimed at developing social, emotional, physical, and language skills in a fun, nurturing environment.

Indoor toddler activities often focus on creativity and fine motor development. Examples include painting, drawing, playdough, puzzles, block building, story time, dramatic play (pretend kitchens, dress-ups), music and dance sessions, and simple STEM activities like sorting shapes or stacking cups. These help toddlers explore and learn while feeling safe in an engaging indoor space.

Outdoor activities encourage toddlers to move, explore nature, and build gross motor skills. Common outdoor activities include climbing, sandpit play, water play, ball games, riding trikes, nature walks, gardening, and group games like chase or parachute play. Outdoor learning also helps toddlers develop confidence, coordination, and a love for the natural environment.

At Little Scholars, our toddler goals focus on nurturing independence, social skills, and early learning through play. We help toddlers build confidence in communication, develop fine and gross motor skills, learn to share and cooperate with others, and explore creativity in a safe, caring environment.

Most centres define toddlers as children aged 2 years to around 3 years. At this stage, they’re becoming more mobile, curious, and independent, which is why the program is designed to nurture their development.

Educators work closely with families to support toilet training when your child is ready. We follow your child’s individual routine and provide encouragement and consistency to make the process as smooth as possible.

Healthy meals and snacks are freshly prepared on-site by a qualified chef. Menus are designed to meet nutritional needs for growing toddlers, with options for allergies and dietary requirements. Read more about our nutrition here: https://mylittlescholars.com.au/nutrition/ 

It’s common for toddlers to experience separation anxiety. Our educators use strategies such as comfort routines, distraction with play, and gradual adjustment to help children feel secure and happy in the environment. You can our tips and tricks for dealing with separation anxiety on our blog. 

 Parents receive updates through our parent app, including photos, daily routines (meals, naps, toileting), and learning milestones, so you can stay connected to your child’s experiences.

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Come and see the Little Scholars difference

Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!

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