Two Year Old Room
Age 2 (by October 15)
Our Toddler program maintains a four-to-one ratio with a maximum group size of twelve, and is designed to provide an opportunity for toddlers to explore while addressing the very specific needs, challenges, and delights of this particular age group. There is an emphasis on freedom of movement and gross/fine motor development as well as the child to child interactions. The children in this group are becoming more aware of each other and social play is becoming more complex. The teachers support these interactions. The daily curriculum offers toddlers opportunities to explore the environment according to their capabilities, interests and developmental needs.
Alana Elowitch
Alana joins our toddler twos team as a full-time Co-teacher fall of 2022! She has her BA from Florida Atlantic University and has worked as a toddler day and aftercare teacher at Breakwater School for two years. Before her work in early childhood, Alana worked in the theater and film industry and loves a good comedy. Her sense of humor and positive energy is infectious, and we have no doubt that she will feel right at home here at the GFP! Most of her experience is with toddlers ages 18 months and up to three years old as well as older preschool ages. She enjoys spending her days in laughter and exploration with children and is dedicated to building strong and lasting relationships with those in her care.
Elise Richardson
Elise comes to us from Fryeburg, Maine. She has been an active volunteer with the Special Olympics in Orono, is a licensed and experienced swim instructor and lifeguard for children and has experience providing lessons and childcare for young children at local recreational programs, summer camp facilities, and in the home setting. Elise is currently working towards her bachelor's degree at the University of Southern Maine and a master’s track to becoming a special education teacher.
Key-Arnna Bassett
Key-Arnna joined the GFP in May of 2022 and worked with us in our toddler rooms all summer. She has worked as a direct care support specialist in the early childhood field since 2013. Key-Arnna has worked with infants to PreK ages throughout her practice as an early childhood educator and is particularly excited to work with toddlers! She has experience working at accredited childcare centers and has her CDA (Child Development Associate). She is a mom of four and has a passion for working with families and their children and holds that partnership with the highest regard.