Tot School

The Tot School program is designed to help children ages 2-3 begin their educational journey by fostering independence, social skills, and joyful learning experiences. Through activities like music, play, and art, children can engage in a nurturing environment that introduces the structure of a classroom without the direct presence of their parent or caregiver. The program encourages positive peer interactions and gently prepares children for more formal schooling by building comfort with separation and group learning.

IMG_0538Developmental Benefits

Early childhood socialization is essential for cognitive and emotional growth. In Tot School, children build foundational skills like cooperation, sharing, and confidence. With a schedule that includes structured play, songs, storytime, crafts, and games, children develop language, motor, and social abilities in a playful setting. Tot School’s engaging activities are designed to help young ones feel comfortable and secure as they explore new skills and friendships.

Program Details

Tot School takes place in Community Room 144 at the Westside Community Services Building, running twice a week, typically in the mornings and for 15 week sessions. Please check the most current Rec Connection program guide for specific dates and times. 

Parents are welcome to relax in an on-site lounge, equipped with refreshments and Wi-Fi, in case they’re needed to assist with bathroom breaks or soothing their child. The Tot School team is prepared to ease children through any initial hesitations, offering supportive strategies to help each child feel at home in the classroom.

Schedule

  • Arrival, free choice play/art
  • Name song/Weather song
  • Story Time 
  • Craft project
  • Themed Game/Activity
  • Goodbye song
  • Line up & Dismissal

What to Expect

  • Bathroom breaks - If your child needs a diaper change or to be escorted to the restroom to try to use the bathroom, we will bring them to you in the parent lounge, they may return to class after!

  • Messy clothes – We often use paint, markers, glue and other craft supplies that often get on our clothes! Please dress your child in clothes that you don’t mind getting messy. We try to keep messes as minimal as possible and always use washable paints and markers, but better to be safe than sorry!

  • Tears – For a lot of children, it can be overwhelming to suddenly join a classroom that their parents or caregivers will not be joining them in. It is very common for children to be hesitant or to cry during their first few days of school. We expect this and are prepared for it, typically we try to offer toys, books and other distractions to take their mind off their parents’ absence and get them engaged and having fun! If they are resistant to alternative activities we will first attempt to let them self-soothe with support and supervision from an adult. Some children like to be held, some want to sit on their own, etc. we will attempt to find what works best for your child. If it becomes clear to yourself or to a teacher that support is needed for the first few sessions of class that is totally okay! It can be hard for parents to listen to their children cry without stepping in to help and we totally understand and respect that, we can always build up to independence in the classroom over the course of the first few days of class. Typically, once children get used to the schedule and are able to anticipate what activities foreshadow seeing their grown-ups again, they are excited and ready to engage in class! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to discuss them with your instructor.

Questions? 

Contact Emily Rebarchek, School-Based Program Coordinator

Scholarship Information

Scholarships are available through our “Recreation is for Everyone” financial assistance program. Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry is dedicated to reducing financial barriers for our community. To request a scholarship the Scholarship Program page or call our office at (608) 837-3449.