Often the Toddler community is the first experience children have with other children of their own age and abilities. Learning how to interact in respectful ways is fundamental to the Toddler community and the child’s future experiences in the larger world. Grace and courtesy are modeled by the Teacher and Assistant. “Please,” “Thank you,” or “No, thank you,” are practiced often in teachable moments. A toddler's natural tendency toward empathy is encouraged; students often soothe and care for others through small gestures, such as holding hands and offering tissues as needed. Redirection is used to encourage positive behavior in the environment.
Through consistent school experiences, children engage respectfully with each other, the adults and the materials in the environment. Helping each other, offering a snack, pouring a drink for a friend and consideration of others are all parts of building relationships with each other and with the adults.