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TODDLER CARE

Toddler Care and Daycare in San Diego, Ages 2 to 3

At Early Learners Children’s Academy, our toddler classroom sits between the individualized infant room and the larger preschool classroom, with a smaller 8:1 ratio built for a stage that still needs a lot of one-on-one attention. Toddler care is offered at both our Mira Mesa and Old Town campuses.

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Two toddlers playing with musical rattles together in a classroom

2 – 3 years

Ages

8:1

Children per teacher

2 campuses

Mira Mesa & Old Town

Brightwheel

Daily updates

Introducing life as a classroom

For most toddlers, this is the first time school starts to feel like school.

We introduce the children to a classroom setting, show them how to handle a book, sing the alphabet, and work through songs and finger plays together.

It is also when counting, sorting, and early art and science projects start showing up in the day, all sized to what a two-year-old can actually do.

Why we keep this ratio smaller

At 8:1, the toddler room has a smaller ratio than our preschool classrooms on purpose. It is a transitional stage between the highly individualized infant program and the larger preschool environment, and toddlers get more one-on-one support while they find their footing.

4:1

Infant Care

8:1

Toddler room

12:1

Preschool

What a day looks like

The day blends structure with open play: circle time, songs, a mix of guided and free play, snack and meal times, and time outdoors or in Munchkin Town at our Mira Mesa campus.

Circle time and songs

Guided and free play

Snack and meal times

Outdoors, or Munchkin Town at Mira Mesa

Naps

Naps are still part of the daily rhythm at this age, and teachers work with you on the routine that fits your child.

Skills your toddler is building

Early literacy

Book handling and early literacy.

Songs and the alphabet

The alphabet song and other early songs.

Counting and sorting

Counting, sorting and early numbers.

Fine motor skills

The fine motor control that comes from art and science projects sized for little hands.

What to bring

A change of clothes, any diapers or pull-ups your child still uses, and a comfort item for naps. Teachers will let you know if anything else is needed for your child’s routine.

Toddler care at two San Diego campuses

Both campuses offer the same program, teachers who stay, and Brightwheel updates all day. Choose the one that fits your commute.

Mira Mesa Campus

9585 Candida St, San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 530-8200

Serving Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Miramar, Sorrento Valley and Rancho Peñasquitos

Toddler care at our Mira Mesa campus

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Old Town Campus

4050 Taylor St, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 291-5200

Serving Old Town, Downtown, Point Loma, Mission Hills and Bankers Hill

Toddler care at our Old Town campus

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See the toddler room for yourself

Meet the teachers, see how the day flows, and ask us anything. There is no commitment, just a chance to see if it feels right.

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What families tell us

We love ELCA Mira Mesa! They are like family to us… The staff is very friendly and caring. I like how the teachers know all the kids. The communication and care taken for each student is loving and reassuring.

Robin A.

Google review

This school really cares for the children. I would not hesitate to put my child here. Staff work well as a team. It is very clean with a lovely playground. The children in every class are occupied with a great learning environment throughout the day. Very loving place in a convenient location. Excellent directors and teachers. Highly recommend.

Laura H.

Google review

My husband and I feel really lucky to have found ELCA for our infant daughter. We started her in daycare when she was 5.5 months old, and since she’s our first baby, it was extremely difficult for us emotionally… However, Celene and all the teachers… have been beyond amazing, extremely supportive, and super communicative.

Maria J.

Google review

Our 1 year old has been attending since she was 12 weeks old – and she really loves it there! She is always so excited to see her teachers each morning and overall we are really happy with the experience. The school is incredibly clean and secure and you can tell they really adore the kids. Keep up the great work!

Jennifer R.

Google review

I’ve had my 2 year old there since 6 months old (about 1.5 years). I can’t speak more highly of the teachers and staff. They truly care about the students. This is a smaller school but I like it that way. ELCA is a super high quality daycare.

Rebecca L.

Google review

Our son attended ELCA from ages 2-5yrs old and he loved his time there! He received tons of care and support from the staff at all stages of his development and was more than prepared for Kindergarten. Our younger daughter also attends ELCA… I highly recommend ELCA if you’re looking for preschool-aged childcare.

James M.

Google review

I have been taking my three year old boy to ELCA Preschool for seven months now and I have to say, I am very happy with how content my son is there… now he looks forward to going to “school.” The facility is clean and the administration is organized. The teachers are friendly and caring.

Paul P.

Google review

At the Old Town location we have had a stellar experience with our daughter beginning at 7 months old-3 years old. As first time parents, out of state transplants, and totally unfamiliar with daycare, we were incredibly nervous… The staff are communicative and understanding. The teachers really feel like a part of our parenting village. We love the outdoor area and that the facility is bright, clean, and secure.

Jessie W.

Google review

The teachers there were so nice, patient, understanding, and really helped my daughter get accustomed to her new environment. I love how you need a fob key to get in and the communication between the teachers and the parents are really good as well.

S. C.

Google review

Our son has been going to Early Learners for about 2 years now. The transition originally was tough, but he really enjoys it now and is thriving… Special thank you to all the employees there!

Melissa F.

Google review

Nothing but great things to say about our experience here. Teachers and staff are very attentive. Great outside area!

Kimmy C.

Google review

When I came upon ELCA I was impressed with the facility and staff. They are kind, sweet people. My children have learned a lot going here. Now my friend and family are sending their children here.

Robert E.

Google review

We have had our children enrolled in ELCA for the past several years. Their care and professionalism have been extraordinary. We feel like our children are at a safe, trusted place where they can thrive. Highly recommend. Thank you!

Patrick R.

Google review

I began taking my grandchildren here about a year ago… I absolutely adore the staff at ELCA Preschools. My grandchildren always look forward to being there and have so much to share on their ride home.

Jacqueline T.

Google review

My girls love their teachers, they are attentive and caring. They have also learned so much from attending. We love the ELCA.

Sheri K.

Google review

LIMITED-TIME ENROLLMENT OFFER

FREE Registration & 1 Week Tuition

Free week applied after your 4th week of enrollment. Mention this coupon when you tour to receive the discount.

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Questions parents ask about Toddler Care

Infant Care runs at 4:1 and Toddler runs at 8:1. The toddler ratio is still smaller than our preschool classrooms, since this age group is transitioning from highly individualized care into a more structured classroom.

Yes, naps stay part of the daily rhythm at this age, and teachers work with you to keep your child’s own routine as consistent as possible.

No. Every child moves at their own pace, and our teachers work with you on potty training rather than requiring it before your child can start.

Yes, before enrolling you can bring your child for a free half-day visit so they can try the classroom and you can see how they settle in.

When your child turns three

Your child moves up into our Preschool / Pre-K I classroom in the same building, with teachers they already recognize and a routine that will feel familiar from the first morning.

View Preschool / Pre-K I

Toddler Care and Daycare in San Diego, Ages 2 to 3

Introducing life as a classroom

Why we keep this ratio smaller

4:1

8:1

12:1

What a day looks like

Circle time and songs

Guided and free play

Snack and meal times

Outdoors, or Munchkin Town at Mira Mesa

Naps

Skills your toddler is building

Early literacy

Songs and the alphabet

Counting and sorting

Fine motor skills

What to bring

Toddler care at two San Diego campuses

Mira Mesa Campus

Old Town Campus

See the toddler room for yourself

What families tell us

FREE Registration & 1 Week Tuition

Questions parents ask about Toddler Care

What makes the toddler ratio different from infant care?

Will my toddler still nap during the day?

Is my toddler expected to be potty trained already?

Do you offer a free half-day visit?

When your child turns three