Caterpillars Toddler Care

Rooted in Curiosity, Connection & Care

  • Ages 20 months - 2.9 years
  • 1 - 5 Day Program
  • Core Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Drop-in Options
  • Extended AM & PM Hours

Caterpillars Toddler Care is designed to support children as they take their first steps into a learning community.

This program centers on building a strong sense of belonging while honoring each child’s natural pace of development. Through rich sensory experiences, meaningful play, and responsive caregiving, toddlers are encouraged to explore, communicate, and discover the world around them.

Backed by Science
Curiosity
Environment
Community
Expression
$75 registration fee per child $300 yearly facility fee per child Review parent handbook

Caterpillars · Toddler

Monthly Tuition

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Days per weekMonthly tuition
5 daysFull week $2,186
4 days $1,776
3 days $1,379
2 days $933
1 day $488

Billed in 10 equal monthly payments during the school year.

Optional

Extended Hours

Added to your monthly tuition

The program day runs 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Early drop-off opens the door a half hour sooner; extended day keeps it open until 6:00.

Days per week Early drop-off8:00 – 8:30 AM Extended day3:30 – 6:00 PM
5 days +$185/mo +$780/mo
4 days +$148/mo +$634/mo
3 days +$111/mo +$483/mo
2 days +$74/mo +$327/mo
1 day +$37/mo +$171/mo

No commitment

Drop-in Rates

OptionDay rate
Drop-in · 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM $130/day
Drop-in + extended day · 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM $175/day
Early drop-off · 8:00 – 8:30 AM $11/day
Backed by science

Why Choose Caterpillars?

  • Brain Development Through Play - Research shows that young children build stronger neural connections when learning is hands-on, play-based, and self-directed.
  • Curiosity Drives Learning – The Reggio Emilia approach follows children’s natural interests, which has been proven to increase engagement, motivation, and long-term retention..
  • Environment as a Teacher – Studies highlight that thoughtfully designed learning spaces improve focus, creativity, and collaboration; every corner of our classrooms is intentional.
  • Stronger Social & Emotional Growth – Child-led exploration and group projects nurture empathy, problem-solving, and communication skills that last well beyond preschool.
Rooted in Research

A Sample Day in Caterpillars

Educators thoughtfully introduce provocations that meet children where they are while inviting growth, independence, and confidence. Play is the foundation of each day, allowing toddlers to lead their own exploration in a safe, nurturing environment.

Each day follows a gentle rhythm that provides consistency while allowing flexibility for individual needs.

  • Arrival and free exploration
  • Sensory play and open-ended provocations
  • Outdoor play and nature exploration
  • Morning snack (provided by families)
  • Group time with songs, stories, and movement
  • Lunch (provided by families)
  • Rest time
  • Afternoon exploration and play
  • Afternoon snack (provided by families)

This balance of structure and freedom supports toddlers as they learn to trust their environment and themselves.

Inside the Classroom

At SHED, the classroom is more than four walls. It’s a living space shaped by children’s ideas, questions, and discoveries. Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we design environments that invite exploration, creativity, and collaboration. From nature walks to project work, every experience is an opportunity for children to wonder, test, and grow together.

The Power of Thoughtful Spaces

At SHED, classroom design is intentional because environment plays a direct role in how children grow, think, and learn. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia concept of the “third teacher,” our spaces are thoughtfully arranged to support calm, focus, creativity, and independence.

Research shows that well-designed environments can lower stress, improve attention, and strengthen a child’s ability to engage deeply in learning. At SHED, the classroom does not simply hold learning; it actively shapes it.

Family Always Welcome

Join Us in the Classroom

At SHED Children’s Campus, we see parents as partners in learning. We invite you to step into the classroom and share your unique skills, stories, or passions with our children. Whether it’s leading a simple art activity, playing an instrument, teaching a recipe, or sharing a cultural tradition, your presence enriches our community and deepens the children’s learning. Together, we make the classroom a place where curiosity and creativity truly flourish!

Parent Experience

What our parents are saying about their experience at SHED Children's Campus
5/5

I cannot speak highly enough of SHED

The overall culture of the staff and administration fosters an amazing (and rare) sense of independence, curiosity, creativity, community, and kindness. So grateful to have a program like this in Andover - I wouldn't leave my girls anywhere else!

5/5

I am very happy with SHED/Kids club.​

Our kids use the bus to go from school to SHED. They are able to choose the activity they would like to do in the afternoon and they love it. The management goes above and beyond to help. We have had a wonderful experience at SHED

5/5

Our son loves SHED and so do we.​

The clinic offers top-notch services and a welcoming atmosphere. The doctor took the time to explain everything in detail and offered practical solutions to improve my health naturally. My only suggestion would be to reduce wait times, but overall, it was an excellent experience.

5/5

My daughter absolutely loves spending time at SHED.​

The people who take care of the kids are amazing. The activities are endless, and the rest of the staff are very welcoming and helpful.

Discover Caterpillars for Yourself

Rooted in curiosity, community, and creativity, Monarch is where children grow into confident, joyful learners.
Schedule a campus tour today and see what joyful, curious, and child-led learning looks like.