Lil’ Dreamer Program

Welcome to the Lil’ Dreamer Classroom!

12-18 months

Cute child draw with color crayons The Lil’ Dreamer classroom is designed for toddlers who are 12-18 months old. Lil’ Dreamers are new to being on the move and are all about exploring the world around them. Students experience many transformations while in the Lil’ Dreamer classroom. Children grow from infants to toddlers and make amazing physical, verbal and cognitive advances during this time. Lil’ Dreamers begin to follow a schedule for eating and napping, as well as begin group play. Teachers encourage toddlers to use their words to express needs and wants while learning to play side by side with peers. Lil’ Dreamers are introduced to counting, colors, and shapes in their daily lessons. Through age-appropriate lesson plans designed around their needs and interests, Dublin Learning Academy is able to assist Lil’ Dreamers as they meet developmental milestones in a fun and educational way.

Developmental Milestones

We work closely with our Lil’ Dreamers to help them achieve appropriate milestones.

Language Arts

  • Understands & follows one step directions
  • Recognizes & imitates animal sounds
  • Imitates others with sounds & facial expressions
  • Begins to express needs & wants with words
  • Sits down to listen & participate in circle time
  • Says 5-10 words

Mathematics/Science

  • Recognizes basic colors
  • Recognizes basic shapes
  • Explores senses through the use of sensory table and other activities

Motor Skills

  • Begins to know the purpose of crayons
  • Enjoys moving with direction to music
  • Makes marks with a crayon on paper
  • Gestures or points to indicate wants
  • Walks as main form of movement
  • Push, pull & dump things
  • Turns spoon to mouth
  • Stacks blocks
  • Walks without help

Self Help/Social-Emotional

  • Begins to understand right & wrong
  • Adapts to new routines & adapts to change
  • Begins to understand feelings
  • Forms meaningful relationships
  • Separates from parent easily
  • Picks toys up with little help
  • Follows teacher direction
  • Expresses physical needs

District Curriculum

Children will be introduced to their first curriculum as they enter the Lil’ Dreamer classroom. Dublin Learning Academy offers quality childcare and learning opportunities for infant through school age children from 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. using small class sizes, child oriented classrooms and stimulating curriculum, including:
  • Music
  • Science
  • Mathematics
  • Language Arts
  • Social Sciences
  • Foreign Language
  • Art
Dublin Learning Academy teachers provide a fun and safe place for children to learn and grow at their own pace. Children gain confidence as they are guided through a unique year-round comprehensive curriculum that is comprised of month-long themes designed exclusively for Dublin Learning Academy students, such as:
  • Four Seasons
  • Camping Fun
  • Transportation
  • The Human Body
  • Animals
  • Space
  • Family & Friends
  • Oceans & Continents
  • Our Country
  • Community Helpers
  • Safety Towne

Focus in the Lil’ Dreamer Classroom

From the moment you step into the Lil’ Dreamer room, you will notice the hands-on positive approach to learning. The classroom space is arranged to accommodate mobile and active children. Activities are age-appropriate and daily exposure to songs, colors, shapes, and numbers support each child’s vocabulary and understanding of the world around them. A simple but meaningful daily routine is introduced to foster a rich learning experience as well as anticipation about what comes next.

Rewards & Discipline

Teachers encourage the Lil’ Dreamers with lots of praise! Children are rewarded for such things as “using gentle hands,” sharing, clean-up, and good “listening ears.” When a child is displaying inappropriate behavior the teacher will re-direct them to another activity.

Nutrition

Lil’ Dreamers bring packed lunches to school and snacks are provided by Dublin Learning Academy. Dublin Learning Academy provides milk for students at meal and snack times. Microwaves and refrigerators are located in the classroom for food storage and prep convenience. Lil’ Dreamers who come before 8:30 a.m. may bring a breakfast to eat at school. Please note that due to the health risks of students with severe allergies, Dublin Learning Academy has a school-wide peanut-free policy. Parents are responsible for supplying 4 labeled sippy cups each day (2 for snacks, 1 for lunch, and 1 for water).

Nap Time

Lil’ Dreamers take one nap per day. Each student has their own crib/cot. Parents furnish a sheet for nap which is sent home the last school day of the week to wash and return.

Diaper Changing

Children are changed every two hours if not otherwise specified or needed. Parents supply diapers, wipes and diaper cream (as necessary) for their child. Teachers will notify parents when supplies are low. Each child is asked to bring in two packages of wipes each month. Please refer to the parent handbook for late fees as well as diaper changing policies and procedures.

Enrolling your child in the Lil’ Dreamer Class

The decision to enroll your child is an exciting one! Dublin Learning Academy wants to make the transition to the Lil’ Dreamer classroom a positive step in your child’s growth. Please complete and return all paperwork before your child’s first day. Make sure to label all personal items. The office is available to answer questions any time!
There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings. Hodding Carter

Personal Items

  • 4 Sippy Cups (labeled -1 snack, 1 lunch, and 1 for water
  • 2 Packages for Wipes (due each month)
  • 1 Package of Diapers or Pull-Ups (as needed)
  • Crib Sheet for Cot or Crib
  • Bibs
  • Hard Sole Shoes for Outside Time

Forms of Paperwork

  • Tuition Agreement
  • Student Profile
  • Child Enrollment/Health Information Form
  • Pick Up Authorization Form
  • Medical/Physical Care Plan (if needed)
  • Parent Handbook Agreement
  • Family Key Agreement
  • Media Form
  • Medical Statement

Ratio: 1:5 Class Size: Max 10 Full-Time: 6:30am – 6:00pm (5 days/wk) Part-Time: Available