Count, Write, Paint, Play, Learn With Us The Creative Way!
A Loving & Engaging Toddler Care Program
Where Growing Independence Meets the Joy of Discovery
At Creative Beginnings Child Care Center, we believe the toddler years are an exciting time filled with curiosity, exploration, new friendships, and important developmental milestones. Our toddler daycare program in South Portland, Maine, provides a safe, loving, and stimulating environment where young children can learn, play, and grow with confidence.
Designed for our one-year-old learners, our toddler program introduces age-appropriate educational activities that encourage early communication, creativity, independence, and social development.
We understand that toddlers learn best through active exploration and hands-on experiences. That's why our program combines structured learning opportunities with imaginative play, movement, music, and discovery.
Whether your child is learning new words, identifying colors, exploring shapes, or developing independence, we celebrate every accomplishment along the way.
Our goal is to provide a nurturing home-away-from-home environment where toddlers feel secure, valued, and excited to discover something new every day.
Play-Based Learning for Curious Little Minds
At Creative Beginnings, our toddler childcare program incorporates engaging, age-appropriate activities that introduce important early learning concepts while allowing children to develop naturally at their own pace.
Our toddler learning experiences include:
- Colors & Shapes: Introducing primary colors and basic shapes through toys, games, creative projects, and everyday exploration.
- Early Counting Skills: Exploring numbers and counting to ten through songs, stories, and playful activities.
- Name Recognition: Introducing children to the letters and sounds associated with their names.
- Music & Movement: Encouraging listening, rhythm, coordination, and self-expression through songs and movement.
- Creative Arts: Providing hands-on opportunities to explore colors, textures, and artistic expression.
- Stories & Circle Time: Introducing books, songs, fingerplays, and group activities that support language and social development.
- Imaginative Play: Encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity through interactive experiences.
We recognize that toddlers reach developmental milestones at different times. Our approach emphasizes encouragement, positive experiences, and the joy of learning rather than expecting every child to master the same skills at the same age.
Encouraging Independence & Everyday Life Skills
As toddlers grow, they naturally begin wanting to do more things independently. At Creative Beginnings Child Care Center, we encourage this exciting stage of development through everyday experiences and positive reinforcement.
Our toddler program introduces important self-help skills, including:
- Participating in dressing and undressing routines.
- Learning to clean up toys after playtime.
- Developing independence during meals and snacks.
- Following simple classroom routines and instructions.
- Practicing sharing, cooperation, and taking turns.
- Building confidence through age-appropriate responsibilities.
We believe these early accomplishments help toddlers develop self-confidence, independence, and a positive sense of achievement.
Active Play in Our Indoor Gym & Outdoor Playground
Physical activity is an important part of toddler development. At Creative Beginnings, our toddlers enjoy opportunities for active play in our indoor gym and outdoor playground.
Our outdoor play area provides space for movement, exploration, fresh air, and social interaction.
Our indoor gym offers additional opportunities for physical activity throughout the year, including during Maine's colder weather.
Through supervised, age-appropriate movement and play, toddlers can develop balance, coordination, strength, and confidence while enjoying time with other children.
We believe active play is not only fun but also an important part of supporting healthy physical, cognitive, and social development.
Toddler Classrooms Designed for Learning & Growth
Our toddler classrooms are designed to provide a welcoming environment where children can explore new interests, practice developing skills, and participate in meaningful early learning experiences.
Creative Beginnings Child Care Center offers dedicated toddler classrooms that support small-group interaction, hands-on activities, and age-appropriate learning.
Our toddler environments encourage:
- Creative and imaginative play.
- Early language and communication.
- Social interaction and friendship development.
- Fine and gross motor development.
- Independent exploration and problem-solving.
- Consistent routines and positive learning experiences.
We strive to make every day an opportunity for children to feel comfortable, develop confidence, and experience the excitement of learning something new.
Strong Family Connections & Individualized Toddler Care
We understand that every toddler has unique interests, abilities, routines, and developmental needs.
At Creative Beginnings, we value strong communication with families and recognize the importance of consistency between home and childcare.
Our child-centered approach encourages individual growth while providing opportunities for children to explore, interact, and learn at their own pace.
By working together with families, we strive to make the toddler years a positive, rewarding experience filled with important milestones and lasting memories.
Why Choose Creative Beginnings for Toddler Daycare?
Families searching for toddler daycare in South Portland, Scarborough, and surrounding Maine communities will discover an engaging early childhood environment at Creative Beginnings Child Care Center.
Our toddler program offers:
- A welcoming, nurturing childcare environment.
- Age-appropriate, play-based learning experiences.
- Early introduction to colors, shapes, counting, and name recognition.
- Language, social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and creative development.
- Activities that encourage growing independence and self-help skills.
- Interactive music, stories, and creative arts.
- Indoor gym and outdoor playground activities.
- Consistent daily routines with meals, snacks, and quiet time.
- A strong connection between home and childcare.
Our goal is to help every toddler build the confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills needed for continued growth and learning.
Kim Bersko
Megan Barnes
Megan Barnes
Kim came to Creative Beginnings in July of 2025. With over five years of experience infant care, Kim is an excellent source of knowledge. She attended the University of New England focusing on Elementary Education. Kim has been an asset to our infant program and have truly enjoyed having her on our team!
Megan Barnes
Megan Barnes
Megan Barnes
Megan joined our team in June of 2022. She attended Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire where she studied art education. She previously worked as a teaching assistant at a charter school in New Hampshire. Megan has a passion for creativity and loves to try new projects with our young learners.
Holly Ford
Becca Weichel
Megan Barnes
Holly joined the Creative Beginnings team in May of 2020. She graduated from Nyack College in 2018 with a degree in Intercultural Studies. Holly has worked in various settings caring for children of all ages. Her friendly, gentle, and loving demeanor has made her a perfect fit for toddlers. Holly’s students love coming to school to learn and play with her!
Megan Barnes
Becca Weichel
Megan Barnes
Megan joined our team in June of 2022. She attended Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire where she studied art education. She previously worked as a teaching assistant at a charter school in New Hampshire. Megan has a passion for creativity and loves to try new projects with our young learners.
Becca Weichel
Becca Weichel
Becca Weichel
Becca started with Creative Beginnings in October of 2025. She immediately bonded with the children in her classroom, and created a safe, loving, and welcoming environment for them. Becca has ten years of experience working with children from infants to fourth grade. We are so happy to have Becca as part of our team!