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🍼 Ages 18 Months – 3 Years
Toddler Program
(18 Months to 3 Years)
For more than two decades, we have helped families through the busiest stretch of early childhood. St. Francis offers licensed toddler daycare in Edmonton, Viking, and Grande Prairie for children 18 months to 3 years.
A Safe, Structured Environment
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Alberta’s Caregiver Ratio
Alberta requires one educator per six children aged 19 months to 3 years, and we meet that ratio in every toddler room.
On busier days, we often staff above the ratio so each child gets the attention they need.
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Toddler-Proofed Spaces
Every toddler room is set up with secured furniture, soft flooring, and child-safe materials placed at a height toddlers can reach.
Door locks, outlet covers, and safety gates are checked daily, and educators stay in line of sight at all times.
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Dedicated Toddler Rooms
Toddlers are not mixed with infants or older preschoolers. Each centre has a separate toddler room with low tables, art easels, and reading corners.
Surfaces are sanitized on a documented schedule, and toys are rotated to balance familiar routines with discoveries.
What a Day Looks Like
A toddler’s day at St. Francis blends routine with exploration. Predictable rhythms help toddlers feel secure, while open-ended play gives them room to grow.
| 7:00 AM | Drop-off and free play |
| 8:00 AM | Morning snack |
| 8:30 AM | Circle time with songs and stories |
| 9:00 AM | Art and sensory activities |
| 10:00 AM | Outdoor play (weather permitting) |
| 11:30 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM | Quiet time and nap |
| 2:30 PM | Wake, snack, free play |
| 3:30 PM | Group activity or learning station |
| 4:30 PM | Outdoor or active play |
| 5:30 PM | Pickup window opens |
Schedules adjust for younger toddlers who still need a morning nap or a longer rest..
Play, Art, and Discovery
Toddlers learn through their bodies, so each day includes finger painting, water play, building blocks, sand and rice bins, and dress-up.
Outdoor time happens daily, weather permitting, and activities follow Alberta’s Flight: Early Learning and Care Framework.
Meals and Nap Routines
We provide morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack at no extra cost, with menus that meet Canada’s Food Guide.
Nap time is supervised and adjusted to each child’s needs. Some toddlers nap once for an hour or two; others still need a shorter morning rest.
How We Support Development
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Daily Communication with Parents
You will hear from us every day about how your child ate, napped, played, and what they tried.
Most centres use written daily reports, in-person handoffs at pickup, and photo updates on request.
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Milestone Tracking
Educators note language, motor, social, and self-care milestones throughout the year, including potty training readiness and progress.
We meet with parents formally each quarter to review milestones together and adjust routines as needed.
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Open-Door Policy
Parents are welcome to drop in any time during operating hours. If you want to visit on a lunch break or call to check in, just ask.
There is no need for an appointment, and no question is too small.
Our Toddler Care Team
By the Numbers
50+
15+
100%
Qualifications and Training
Every toddler educator holds post-secondary credentials in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, and is current in CPR and Standard First Aid.
Many of our toddler educators have a decade or more of experience, and several have been with St. Francis for over fifteen years.
Ongoing Professional Development
Our staff complete a minimum of 50 hours of paid professional development each year, covering topics like language development, behaviour support, and inclusion.
Training is built into the work week, not asked of staff outside their regular hours.
Find Toddler Daycare in Edmonton, Viking, & Grande Prairie
Our toddler program runs at three of our five centres. Each has its own director, dedicated toddler room, and full team.
Welcoming a younger sibling? See our Infant Care program. When your toddler is ready to move up, our Preschool program takes over at age 3. See our full Programs hub for everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my toddler start daycare?
Most toddlers settle in well between 18 and 24 months, when curiosity and social interest peak. We offer phased starts so the transition feels gradual.
What is the caregiver-to-toddler ratio?
Alberta requires one educator per six children aged 19 months to 3 years. We meet that ratio in every toddler room and often staff above it.
Do you help with potty training?
Yes. We follow each family’s approach with consistent routines, encouragement, and daily progress updates.
What if my toddler has tantrums or trouble adjusting?
Tantrums are normal at this age. Our educators are trained in calm, consistent responses and work with parents on a plan that fits each child.
Visit Our Toddler Program
The best way to see whether our toddler program is right for your family is to walk through one of our centres. Tours run year-round and take about 30 minutes.
We are a Canadian family-owned daycare, which means the same family that started St. Francis 25 years ago still oversees how every toddler is cared for today. Ready to enroll? Download the registration paperwork from our Parents Zone.
Have a question first? Contact us at Info@stfrancisdaycare.ca or call your nearest centre. We will get back to you within one business day.
