Our Programs
Nurturing Growth, One Step at a Time
At Toddler Steps Daycare in Selden, NY, we believe every stage of childhood deserves special attention, care, and encouragement. Our programs are designed to support your child’s development from infancy through the preschool years — providing a loving, structured environment where they can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.
We offer full-time and part-time care for children from 6 weeks to 4 years old, Monday through Friday. With flexible scheduling and personalized attention, we make it easier for parents to balance work and family life while knowing their little one is in safe, caring hands.
Our rates are based on the hours your child spends in our care. For example, if your schedule requires 8 hours a day, your rate reflects that time. If you need care beyond those hours, before and after care fees may apply — details are explained during your personal tour.
Happy Parents
We are so grateful for the care our boys receive at Toddler Steps!
My 4-year-old has been there for two years, and now my younger son is there as well (he started at 9 months). I drop them off every day with no anxiety because I know they are thriving there. They learn how to be a part of a community, which includes respect, manners, kindness, and resilience. They have so much fun and especially love it when Ms. Jackie hatches chicken eggs with them in the spring— such a fun hands-on learning experience!
-Tori Ford
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Why Families Love Toddler Steps Daycare
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Safe, clean, and home-like environment
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Low child-to-caregiver ratio
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Experienced, caring staff
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Flexible scheduling based on parents’ needs
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Developmentally appropriate curriculum for each age group
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Open communication and strong family partnerships
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Passionate teachers who are Early Childhood Educated, with more than 10 years of classroom experience and ongoing Early Childhood training.
At Toddler Steps Daycare, we don’t just watch children — we help them grow into curious, confident, and happy learners.
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Routine That Fosters Independence & Confidence
Children learn best when they understand their environment and know what to expect. That’s why all our programs follow a flexible yet consistent daily routine designed to help children develop independence, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Our daily rhythm includes:
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Structured and unstructured play
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Hands-on science, music, and sensory activities
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Meal times and snack times
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Outdoor play (weather permitting)
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Rest and quiet time
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Creative exploration through art, movement, and imaginative play
A predictable routine:
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Reduces anxiety and builds emotional security
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Helps children transition smoothly between activities
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Establishes healthy habits such as regular meals and naps
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Promotes early time-management awareness
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Creates a calm and stable environment where children feel safe and ready to learn
This foundation helps every child—from infants to pre-K students—develop essential life skills while building trust, confidence, and independence.
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Hands-On Learning Through Play
Our programs are designed to encourage exploration, curiosity, and joy through:
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Science play: cause-and-effect activities, nature exploration, simple experiments
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Music & movement: rhythm play, instruments, dance, singing
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Sensory play: textures, water play, sand, Play-Doh, and tactile materials
These experiences support early brain development, language skills, fine and gross motor growth, problem-solving, creativity, and social-emotional learning.
Nutrition & Safety Mindfulness
Your child’s well-being is our highest priority. Toddler Steps offers flexible meal options to support each family’s needs:
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Parents may bring meals from home, OR
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We can provide meals for your child
For children diagnosed with food allergies or anaphylaxis, all meals must be brought from home to ensure complete safety and avoid allergen exposure.
We follow strict health, safety, and cleanliness practices to keep every child protected.
Our Safety Commitments
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Separation Anxiety Support at Toddler Steps Daycare
At Toddler Steps Daycare, we recognize that separation anxiety is a normal part of toddler development, especially for children starting daycare for the first time or transitioning from SAHM, home-based care, to a group setting.
Toddlers who have had limited exposure to group childcare settings may feel overwhelmed by new routines, unfamiliar caregivers, and peer interactions. Our licensed New York State daycare program provides a nurturing, structured environment that supports each child’s social, emotional, and developmental needs.
We offer morning half-day sessions where our Social and Emotional certified early childhood educators use developmentally appropriate strategies to help toddlers feel safe and secure, including:
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Support for speech and language development
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Predictable daily routines that help children feel secure
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Calm, responsive educators who acknowledge feelings and offer comfort
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Gentle separation practices and consistent goodbye rituals
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Opportunities for gradual social engagement at the child’s pace
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Positive reinforcement and reassurance that caregivers will return
At Toddler Steps Daycare, we partner with families to create a smooth transition into our early childhood education program, helping toddlers build confidence, independence, and trust in a caring classroom environment. Toddler Steps Daycare remains committed to meeting NYS licensing standards while providing high-quality early childhood education that supports the whole child.
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