Between 19 months and 3 years, your toddler changes more than at any other time except infancy.
They go from “mama” and “dada” to full sentences. From diapers to underwear. From throwing food to using a spoon. From tantrums to “I am frustrated because I wanted the blue cup.”
Most toddler daycare centers in Red Deer treat this age as “hard to manage.” They focus on keeping toddlers safe and contained until they age into preschool.
Brainy Bees does the opposite.
We give toddlers real work. Pouring water. Spooning beans. Buttoning frames. Washing tables. These are not games. They are practical life skills that build concentration, fine motor control, and independence.
Your toddler will spill. We expect it. They will clean it up. That is how they learn.
See your toddler pouring their own snack →
The Toddler Problem Most Red Deer Daycares Do Not Solve
Your toddler wants to do everything themselves. Put on their own shoes. Pour their own milk. Open their own banana.
You want them to do these things too. But you are late for work. So you do it for them. Then they tantrum because you took their independence.
The problem is not your toddler. The problem is the environment.
Most daycare centers do not have time for toddlers to do things themselves. One teacher, 6 toddlers, a schedule to follow. The teacher pours the milk. The teacher opens the banana. The teacher puts on the shoes. Faster. Easier. Less mess.
But faster and easier teaches your toddler that adults will do everything for them.
At Brainy Bees, we have time. The 3-hour morning work cycle has no schedule. If your toddler wants to spend 20 minutes putting 12 beans into a bowl with a spoon, they can. No one rushes them. No one takes over.
That is how toddlers learn independence. Not by being told. By doing.
Watch a toddler pour water independently →
Practical Life: The Most Important Part of Toddler Daycare
Practical Life is the core of Montessori for toddlers. These are real activities that teach real skills.
| Activity | What Your Toddler Learns |
|---|---|
| Pouring water from pitcher to pitcher | Hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, concentration (spilling is expected, and they clean it up with a sponge) |
| Spooning beans from bowl to bowl | Pincer grip (same muscles used for writing), patience, precision |
| Opening and closing containers | Hand strength, problem-solving (lid goes this way, not that way), memory (which container had the pom-pom?) |
| Buttoning and zipping frames | Fine motor, sequencing, self-care (they will button their own coat in winter) |
| Washing a table | Gross motor, responsibility, follow-through (table is clean, now dry it) |
| Sweeping with a child-sized broom | Gross motor, spatial awareness, community responsibility |
| Preparing a snack (cutting banana, spreading crackers) | Hand strength, safety (knife is dull but real), nutrition awareness |
| Setting a table | Order, sequencing, grace and courtesy (napkin on the left, fork on the right) |
Your toddler will not do worksheets at Brainy Bees. They will not trace letters on paper. They will trace sandpaper letters with their fingers while saying the sound. Their hand learns the shape. Their mouth learns the sound. Their eye sees the symbol.
By age 3, they will write letters. Not because we forced them. Because their hand is ready.
See practical life materials →
Toilet Training: We Partner With You, Not Fight You
Toilet training is the most stressful part of toddlerhood for most parents. You are not sure when to start, or how much help your daycare will give.
At Brainy Bees, we work through it with you, using the toddler-sized toilet in our classroom.
Our approach:
| Phase | What We Do | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Readiness signs (18-24 months) | We tell you when we see signs: child hides to poop, stays dry for 2 hours, tells us when wet, wants to watch others use toilet | Observe at home. No pressure. |
| Preparation (2-3 weeks before) | Our classroom has its own toddler-sized toilet. Child watches peers use it. We read books about using the toilet. | Talk about the toilet at home. Pack plenty of training pants or pull-ups and spare clothes. |
| Intensive (3-5 days) | Child comes in training pants or pull-ups. For hygiene, we cannot accept children without diapers, pull-ups or training pants while they are still learning. We take them to the toilet regularly. Accidents happen. We clean up without shame. “You are wet. Let us get dry clothes. Next time, tell me before.” | Keep training pants or pull-ups on hand at home and at the centre. Expect accidents. Do not punish. |
| Independence (1-2 weeks) | Child tells us when they need to go. We help with clothing (elastic waistbands only, no buttons or belts). Child wipes (we check). Child flushes. Child washes hands. | Same at home. Celebrate successes. Ignore accidents. |
What we never do:
- Shame a child for accidents
- Withhold food or drink to reduce accidents
- Force a child to sit on the toilet
- Call you to pick up your child for accidents (unless there are 6 or more in one day, which can be a medical issue)
Most toddlers at Brainy Bees are fully toilet trained by 2.5 to 3 years. Not because we push. Because the environment expects independence.
Talk to us about toilet training →
The Language Explosion: From 50 Words to 1,000 Words
Between 19 months and 3 years, your toddler’s vocabulary explodes from roughly 50 words to 1,000 words.
What most daycares do: Talk to toddlers in simple commands. “Sit down.” “Eat your snack.” “Line up.”
What Brainy Bees does: We talk to toddlers like people. Real words. Real sentences. Real conversations.
Language materials in our toddler classroom:
| Material | What It Teaches |
|---|---|
| Language objects (miniature animals, vehicles, foods) | Vocabulary: “This is a rhinoceros. Can you say rhinoceros?” |
| Picture cards (matching) | Same and different. “These are both dogs. This dog is spotted. This dog is brown.” |
| Classified pictures (categories) | Grouping: “Fruits go here. Vegetables go here. Where does the apple go?” |
| Sandpaper letters (tracing) | Letter sounds: “This is ‘mmm.’ Put your finger on the sandpaper. Say ‘mmm.'” |
| Book corner (rotated weekly) | Print awareness, prediction, narrative skills |
By age 3, your toddler will:
- Speak in 3-5 word sentences
- Ask questions (“Where Daddy go?”)
- Use pronouns (I, me, you, mine. “Mine!” is developmentally appropriate)
- Follow 2-step directions (“Put your cup on the table and wash your hands”)
- Recognize the first letter of their name
- Say the sound of 5-10 letters
See language development in action →
Daily Rhythm for Toddlers (Flexible, Not Rigid)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 to 8:30 AM | Drop-off. Welcome. Toddler puts away their belongings (coat on low hook, lunch in basket, indoor shoes on). Choice of practical life activities. |
| 8:30 to 11:30 AM | 3-hour work cycle. Uninterrupted. Toddler chooses activities: pouring, spooning, buttoning, language objects, sandpaper letters, art, sensorial materials. Teacher observes and offers new challenges when ready. Morning snack is between 8:45 and 9:15, and toddlers pour their own water. |
| 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM | Lunch from home. Toddlers set the table, eat together, clear their plates and wash their hands. |
| 12:00 to 12:30 PM | Outdoor play. Fenced playground. Climbing, running, digging, swinging. |
| 12:30 to 2:00 PM | Rest time. Toddlers who nap have a mat and blanket. Toddlers who do not nap have quiet activities on their mat (books, soft toys, puzzles). |
| 2:00 to 3:00 PM | Afternoon work cycle. Choice of activities. Teacher offers individual lessons. |
| 3:00 to 5:00 PM | Outdoor play (second session). Afternoon snack. |
| 5:00 to 6:00 PM | Pickup. Toddler gathers belongings. Your end-of-day report is in the brightwheel app: what they worked on, what they ate, nap time and diaper or potty notes. |
No transitions every 30 minutes. No “time to clean up” when a toddler is focused. The 3-hour work cycle is sacred. We do not interrupt it.
What You Will Pay for Toddler Daycare in Red Deer
Starting April 1, 2025, Alberta moved to a flat-rate affordability model for licensed childcare.
Full-time toddler care (100+ hours per month): $326.25 per month (roughly $15/day)
Part-time toddler care (50-99 hours per month): $230.00 per month
You do not need to apply for the Affordability Grant. Brainy Bees applies it automatically. Your invoice shows the discounted rate.
Additional income-based subsidy is available for families who need more help. Families with income under $45,000 may pay $0. Call us to check your eligibility.
Food: We provide morning and afternoon snacks and 2% milk. Lunch comes from home, except on hot lunch day (the last Thursday of each month). There is no registration fee or deposit.
Get your exact out-of-pocket cost →
Toddler Daycare Hours: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Why these hours matter for toddler parents: You are juggling drop-off, work, and pickup. Most toddler daycares open at 7:30 AM and close at 5:30 PM. If you work 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, you cannot drop off at 8:00 AM (you would be late) and you cannot pick up at 5:00 PM (you would be rushing). Brainy Bees gives you a 6:30 AM drop-off and 6:00 PM pickup. You have room to breathe.
Confirm our hours work for your schedule →
What Red Deer Parents Say About Toddler Care at Brainy Bees
“My son has Cerebral Palsy. Finding a daycare that is not only inclusive but truly invested in his development was so important to us. Brainy Bees has exceeded every expectation. They have gone above and beyond to support his growth, working alongside his therapy needs.”
Melissa Gouthro
“He was having so many behavioral issues at his previous daycare. Since switching to Brainy Bees, he has done a complete 360. Staff are so kind and understanding. Classrooms are huge, everything is well kept and very clean.”
Vanessa Schriver
“My little has language and social challenges and they find ways for him to overcome those and still participate and be included in everything.”
Kimberly Amaya
“The space is clean, organized, and well-equipped. I love that children are grouped by age so they can learn at their own pace. The teachers are skilled and give every child personal attention. My child is excited to go every day.”
Manoj Savsani
“When we visited this place we felt homely, positive energy. Same moment we decided that this is the right place for my daughter. And now she is always excited to go.”
Foram Patel
Questions Red Deer Parents Ask About Toddler Daycare
Is my toddler ready for daycare away from home?
Yes. Toddlers thrive in group settings starting around 18 months. The key is a consistent teacher and a prepared environment. Brainy Bees has both.
How do you handle tantrums?
We see tantrums as communication, not bad behavior. We ensure the toddler is safe, then we stay nearby without giving attention to the tantrum. When they calm down, we say, “You were frustrated because you wanted the red cup. Next time, say ‘red cup please’ or bring me the cup.” We never punish a tantrum.
Do you force toddlers to share?
No. We teach turn-taking, not forced sharing. A child using a material keeps it until they are finished. Other children wait. “It is Maria’s turn. When she is done, it will be your turn.” This teaches patience and respect.
What is your ratio for toddlers?
1 staff to 6 toddlers. Our toddler room is for children from 19 months to 3 years.
Do you accept toddlers who are not toilet trained?
Yes. Most toddlers start with us in diapers or pull-ups, and diapers, pull-ups or training pants are needed until they are fully trained. We begin toilet training when the child shows readiness signs (typically between 22 and 30 months). We partner with you on the process. See the toilet training section above.
Do you provide meals?
We provide morning and afternoon snacks and 2% milk. Lunch comes from home. If your child needs a specialty milk, please send it in.
What is your sick policy?
Toddler cannot attend with fever (over 38.5°C), vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious illness. Your toddler needs to be 48 hours symptom-free and fever-free, without medication, before returning, as per AHS guidelines.
Do you give medication?
Yes, with a doctor’s note and signed medication administration form.
Do you have outdoor play in winter?
Yes. We go outside daily when temperature is above -20°C (including wind chill). Toddlers wear snowsuits, boots, mittens, hats. We provide outdoor gear for families who forget.
Do you accept the Affordability Grant?
Yes. We are approved for the Alberta Affordability Grant. You do not need to apply. We apply it automatically.
What is your waitlist for toddlers?
Toddler spots often open sooner than infant spots. Call for current availability.
Fees
As a licensed child care facility, we offer current childcare rates as per the Alberta Government’s childcare affordability plan. Please contact us directly for our current fee schedule and availability.
Registration
We’re excited to welcome your family to our community! To register your child, please contact us for availability or complete our online pre-registration form to begin the enrollment process. There is no registration fee or deposit.
Your Toddler Will Spill. We Will Clean It Up Together.
You are tired of doing everything for your toddler. You want them to pour their own milk, put on their own shoes, and clean up their own messes. But you are busy. And they are slow. And there is a mess.
At Brainy Bees, we have time for slow. We have time for mess.
Your toddler will pour water. They will spill. They will get a sponge. They will wipe it up. They will pour again. They might spill again. They will wipe again.
That is not failure. That is concentration. That is fine motor control. That is independence.
By age 3, your toddler will pour their own snack, button their own coat, and tell you “I need the toilet.”
You will cry happy tears.
Come see your toddler in our classroom.
Call Ms. Maya: 825-559-2337
Or fill out the form below.
Location: #202 4909 49 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 1V1
Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM