Toddler Care in Chelsea, MA

Toddler Care at Best Friend’s Early Learning Center

As babies grow into toddlers, their world expands quickly — full of movement, curiosity, and discovery. At Best Friend’s Early Learning Center in Chelsea, MA, our toddler care program is designed for children 12 months to 2.9 years old. With structured routines, hands-on learning, and caring teachers, we create a safe environment where toddlers build independence, social skills, and a love of learning. More than just daycare, our toddler classrooms provide the guidance and encouragement your child needs to thrive during this exciting stage of development.

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Who Will Care for My Toddler?

Toddlers are active explorers, and our teachers are trained to guide that energy in safe, positive ways. Each classroom follows state-required low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring every toddler gets the attention they need. All of our teachers are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and bring both professional training and genuine warmth to the classroom. They know how to nurture growing independence while still offering the comfort and reassurance toddlers crave.

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What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Consistency is important for toddlers, but so is exploration. A day in our toddler classrooms includes:

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• Morning Circle Time – Stories, songs, and tri-lingual language exposure in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

• Hands-On Play – Blocks, art, sensory activities, and pretend play that develop fine and gross motor skills.

• Outdoor Play – Daily opportunities to run, climb, and explore safely outside.

• Meals & Snacks – Nutritious food provided, with accommodations for dietary needs.

• Nap & Quiet Time – A calm period each afternoon for rest and recharge.

This balance of structure and play helps toddlers feel secure while also encouraging them to try new things and build confidence.

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How Do You Support My Toddler’s Development?

Toddlers are natural explorers — curious, imaginative, and eager to connect. At Best Friend’s, we see each child as a partner in learning. Our teachers build on children’s interests and discoveries, creating moments of joy, conversation, and cooperation that spark growth in every area:

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• Learning Through Dialogue & Discovery – Inspired by Brazilian educator Paulo Freire, our classrooms are built on dialogue rather than direction. Teachers and toddlers learn together — asking questions, sharing stories, and discovering answers side by side. Every interaction helps children build confidence, language, and empathy.

• Multilingual & Cultural Exposure – Children hear and use English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole throughout their day. Songs, stories, and conversations introduce them to the rhythms and beauty of multiple cultures, helping them see that language is not just communication — it’s connection.

• Social & Emotional Growth – Toddlers begin forming friendships and learning how to express emotions. Our teachers guide these moments with patience and love, helping children develop self-awareness, empathy, and cooperation.

• Cognitive & Motor Skills – From building towers to solving puzzles, toddlers practice critical thinking, creativity, and coordination through hands-on play. Each activity is designed to nurture both independence and teamwork.

• Smooth Transitions – As children grow, they move into our preschool classrooms with familiar teachers and friends — keeping learning continuous, comfortable, and exciting.

At this age, learning is full of movement, laughter, and discovery — and every day at Best Friend’s is an invitation to grow together.

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How Will I Stay Connected?

We know toddlers are busy — and parents want to stay connected to all those little moments that make each day special. That’s why our teachers use the Brightwheel app, a secure childcare communication tool that keeps you updated in real time. Through Brightwheel, you can:

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• View Daily Logs – See when your toddler ate, napped, or participated in classroom activities.

• Get Photos and Videos – Enjoy snapshots of your child exploring, learning, and playing with friends.

• Track Milestones – Teachers log new skills, language progress, and social development so you can celebrate achievements at home.

• Send and Receive Messages – Ask questions or share updates with teachers directly through the app.

• Stay Informed – Access classroom schedules, reminders, and notes from the director at any time.

In addition to Brightwheel, we believe in open communication. Parents are encouraged to visit, call, or check in whenever needed. We also share monthly newsletters, classroom updates, and direct messages from our leadership team. At Best Friend’s, you’ll always feel like a partner in your toddler’s care and development.

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Your Next Steps

We’d love to welcome your toddler into our program at Best Friend’s Early Learning Center. Getting started is simple:

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• Schedule a Tour – Visit our toddler classrooms, meet our teachers, and see how children learn and grow in our care.

• Enrollment Support – Whether you are paying privately or applying for Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA), also known as daycare vouchers, our team will guide you through the process step by step.

• Reserve Your Spot – Enroll your toddler and give them the safe, engaging start they deserve.

 [Schedule a Tour Today] or [Contact Us to Learn More]

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Prepare for Your Visit

Choosing child care is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident every step of the way. Explore our free resources to help guide your search:

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• Child Care Visit Questionnaire – A printable checklist of important questions to ask any child care or daycare you visit — plus our answers, so you can compare with confidence.

• Parents’ Rights in Massachusetts – A plain-language guide to your legal rights as a parent, including impromptu visits and access to records, so you know exactly what to expect.

[View Parent Resources]​

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The toddler years are full of big steps, from first friendships to first sentences. At Best Friend’s Early Learning Center, we provide the structure, encouragement, and loving care that help toddlers thrive — while giving parents peace of mind that their child is safe, supported, and learning every day.