About My Special Spot Early Learning and Child Care Center in Cedar Knolls, NJ

Located in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, My Special Spot has been a trusted child care center since 1996. Serving Morris County, we provide a nurturing and educational environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Our center offers age-appropriate programs that focus on early childhood development, including social skills, motor skills, and learning through play. We prioritize your child’s well-being by creating a safe, fun, and stimulating atmosphere where they can grow, explore, and thrive. At My Special Spot, we treat each child with the care and attention they need to reach their full potential.

Our Programs

Baby Bears & Snuggly Bears: Infant Care for 6 Weeks to 12 Months

At My Special Spot, we believe in providing an enriching, nurturing environment for your baby from the very beginning. Our Baby Bears (6 weeks to 6 months) and Snuggly Bears (6 months to 12 months) programs are designed to foster early childhood development through a wide variety of age-appropriate activities. We follow a 1:3 caregiver-to-child ratio to ensure that each child receives the individualized attention they need to thrive.

A Day of Discovery & Development

Each day is filled with both planned and spontaneous activities, tailored to your baby’s needs and moods. We recognize that every baby is unique and that each experience, whether it’s physical, sensory, or emotional, plays a vital role in development.

Our Baby Bears & Snuggly Bears are engaged in:

• Sensory Exploration: Tactile experiences like touching, squeezing, shaking, and exploring shapes, colors, and patterns.
• Early Language Development: Responding to names, cooing, expressing contentment and discomfort, and listening to familiar sounds and voices.
• Physical Growth: Tummy time, opportunities to roll, crawl, and move their bodies freely.
• Social Awareness: Recognizing familiar faces, reacting to sensory experiences (like smells and tastes), and building social bonds.
• Cognitive Milestones: Following objects, learning cause and effect, and beginning object permanence.

Tools & Techniques for a Happy, Stimulating Day

We use a variety of materials and techniques to stimulate growth and create a fun, happy environment, including:

• Bubble play, water splashing, sensory bottles, rattles, and balls
• Books, blocks, and busy boxes
• Musical instruments and toys that encourage physical activity and motor skills
• Reading stories, singing songs, and reciting poems to engage listening skills

We also take advantage of the natural environment, pointing to objects, naming them, and fostering learning during walks and everyday activities.

Communication with Parents

Our number one priority is the well-being of your child. We are committed to creating a strong partnership with parents, keeping you informed and involved in your child’s progress. We provide regular updates and welcome your input, knowing that parental involvement is essential to each child’s growth and success.

Huggy Bears: Toddler Care for 12 to 18 Months

At My Special Spot, our Huggy Bears program is designed for toddlers aged 12 to 18 months. With a 1:3 caregiver-to-child ratio, we ensure your child receives the attention and care they need during this important stage of development. In this room, we focus on nurturing both your child’s natural curiosity and emotional well-being in a warm, supportive environment.

Learning Through Play & Exploration

As a Huggy Bear, your child will continue to build upon the skills gained in the Snuggly Bears room, with engaging activities that promote learning through play and hands-on exploration. Our goal is to help your child reach new milestones while enhancing cognitive, language, and motor skills. Some of the key activities include:

• Sensory Exploration: Engaging with different textures and materials to stimulate sensory development.
• Outdoor Play: Encouraging physical activity and promoting gross motor skills as your child works toward the walking milestone.
• Storytime & Language Development: Listening to creative stories and engaging in activities that support vocabulary growth.
• Cognitive Skill Development: Hands-on activities designed to stimulate problem-solving and critical thinking.

Transitional Care & Milestone Progression

At My Special Spot, we understand the importance of smooth transitions during your child’s growth. In the Huggy Bears room, we assist with the following important changes:

• Milk Transition: Whole milk is provided during lunch once your child is ready to transition from formula or breast milk.
• Bottle to Sippy Cup: Transitioning from bottle feeding to a sippy cup to promote independence.
• Crib to Cot: As your child starts walking confidently, we transition them from napping in a crib to napping on a cot.
• Seating Changes: When ready, your child will move from a low-chair to sitting at a small table in a regular chair, encouraging socialization and independence.
• Napping Changes: We work with each child to transition from multiple naps to a single nap based on their individual readiness.

Our dedicated staff ensures that each transition is handled with care and attention, supporting your child’s development every step of the way.

Cuddly Cubs: Toddler Care for 18 Months to 2 Years

In the Cuddly Cubs room at My Special Spot, your child, now a young toddler aged 18 months to 2 years, will begin exploring the world of social interaction, emotional expression, and communication. With a 1:4 caregiver-to-child ratio, we provide a nurturing environment where your child can develop key social and emotional skills while building stronger connections with teachers and peers.

Social & Emotional Development

At this stage, your child is learning about themselves and others. In the Cuddly Cubs room, we focus on helping your child:

• Express emotions: We give children the words they need to identify and communicate their feelings.
• Socialize effectively: Through demonstration and example, your child will practice social interactions and develop important social skills.
• Build communication skills: We help your child learn how to appropriately express their individual needs and emotions.

Learning Through Exploration & Play

Each day in the Cuddly Cubs room begins with a short circle time where children sing, recite finger plays, and read books based on the monthly theme. Your child will also be introduced to the basics of counting, alphabet recognition, and other early learning skills through fun, hands-on activities. These activities help foster cognitive and language development while encouraging curiosity and exploration.

• Free play opportunities encourage creativity and independence.
• Structured activities focus on problem-solving, hands-on learning, and building early math and literacy skills.

Lunch, Transitioning, & Potty Training

In the Cuddly Cubs room, we begin offering lunch from our catering menu, giving your child the opportunity to explore new foods. We also help your child transition from a sippy cup to a plastic cup and encourage the use of plastic utensils.

While potty training typically begins at this stage, we recognize that each child develops at their own pace. If your child is showing signs of readiness, we’ll work with you to create a comfortable, positive potty training experience.

Teddy Tots: Preschool Care for 2 to 3 Years

In the Teddy Tots room at My Special Spot, children aged 2 to 3 years thrive in a warm, friendly, and engaging learning environment. With a 1:6 caregiver-to-child ratio (1:10 for children aged 2.5-3 years), we provide personalized care and attention to help your child develop important skills while having fun.

Circle Time & Early Learning

Each day in the Teddy Tots room begins with a circle time filled with age-appropriate activities designed to foster early learning. During circle time, your child will:

• Sing songs and read books that promote language development.
• Discuss the weather and practice counting using the monthly calendar.
• Learn to recite the days of the week in both English and Spanish.

Learning Through Centers & Structured Play

The Teddy Tots room is divided into several interactive learning centers such as:

• Blocks
• Home Living
• Sensory Play
• Library Corner
  …and more.

These centers are carefully set up with activities that encourage structured play and allow your child to explore, create, and learn at their own pace. Your child will also participate in small group activities with their primary caregiver, promoting social interaction and collaborative learning.

Outdoor & Gross Motor Activities

Your child will enjoy plenty of outdoor play and gross motor activities each day. These activities help strengthen physical coordination, balance, and muscle development.

Positive Potty Training Support

At this stage, potty training is introduced in a stress-free, supportive environment. Your child will:

• Be changed every two hours (or sooner, as needed).
• Have the option to sit on the potty, encouraged to try without pressure.
• Receive positive guidance and support, with no force or coercion, ensuring a smooth transition to independent potty habits.

Koala Kids: Early Preschool Care for 2.5 to 3 Years

At My Special Spot, the Koala Kids program, designed for children aged 2.5 to 3 years, focuses on fostering independence while continuing to develop your child’s cognitive, motor, social, emotional, and language skills. With a 1:7 caregiver-to-child ratio, we ensure your child receives the individual attention needed to thrive during this important stage of early childhood development.

Learning Through Structured Play & Exploration

In the Koala Kids classroom, your child will engage in a variety of age-appropriate activities that support the development of key skills. Our main goals for your child include:

• Recognizing letters, shapes, colors, and numbers
• Learning to identify their own name
• Developing the ability to interact appropriately with peers

The classroom is organized into learning centers, each with activities that align with our monthly theme. Children can freely explore different centers, such as arts and crafts, sensory play, reading corners, and more, all designed to support hands-on learning.

Fostering Independence & Responsibility

As your child approaches preschool age, they are eager to develop independence. In the Koala Kids room, we encourage children to:

• Choose which learning center they would like to explore
• Take responsibility for their name cards and personal items
• Participate in “Family Style” snacks, promoting proper table manners and social interaction

While we provide your child with the freedom to explore and learn on their own, we are always there to offer support, guidance, and nurturing care when needed.

Potty Training Support

Potty training is an exciting milestone, and we understand it can be both a challenging and rewarding time. In the Koala Kids room, we provide patient and caring assistance as your child continues their potty training journey. Our goal is to offer support and encouragement throughout the process, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your child.

Panda Pals & Kodiak Kids: Preschool Care for 3 to 4 Years

Welcome to the Panda Pals & Kodiak Kids classrooms at My Special Spot! Our 3 to 4-year-old students are in an exciting phase of development, and we’re thrilled to support them as they explore new concepts and refine essential skills. With a 1:8 caregiver-to-child ratio, we ensure that each child receives personalized attention as they grow and learn.

Early Learning & Skill Development

Preschool is an exciting time for children, and in our Panda Pals & Kodiak Kids rooms, we focus on enhancing your child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skills. Our curriculum includes:

• Letter Recognition: We help children learn letters and their sounds, and introduce early writing skills using the Writing Without Tears program.
• Math & Number Sense: Through hands-on activities and manipulatives, children strengthen their understanding of numbers and basic math concepts.
• Science Exploration: Children engage with science through sensory play and art projects that spark curiosity and creativity.
• Fine Motor Skills: Activities like scissor practice, lacing cards, and writing/drawing help refine hand-eye coordination and control.

Social & Emotional Development

At this age, social and emotional skills are crucial. In the Panda Pals & Kodiak Kids classrooms, we focus on building positive behavior and resolving conflicts using peace-making skills. Instead of relying on punishment or time-outs, we emphasize:

• Positive reinforcement: Encouraging good behavior through sticker charts and praise.
• Conflict Resolution: Helping children express their feelings and use their words to work through disagreements.
• Role-playing & Modeling: Demonstrating appropriate behavior and encouraging children to practice these skills with peers.

Our goal is to foster a safe, supportive environment where children learn how to express themselves and build healthy relationships with their classmates.

Parent Communication & Classroom Updates

We believe in strong communication with parents to keep everyone informed. Outside our classroom, you’ll find a parent board with information on upcoming events, our monthly theme, and our current letter and number of the week. Additionally:

• Every Friday is Show and Tell: The parent board and Tadpoles app will let you know what your child should bring for this activity.
• If you’re part-time and do not attend on Fridays, we encourage you to bring an item on the last day of the week you are present.
• Daily Updates: The Tadpoles app allows you to track your child’s daily activities, meals, and naps. You’ll receive an email with detailed updates each day.

Polar Pals: Pre-K Care for 4 to 5 Years

Welcome to the Polar Pals classroom at My Special Spot! We are thrilled to welcome your child to Pre-K, where they will embark on an exciting year filled with exploration and hands-on learning. With a 1:10 caregiver-to-child ratio, we ensure each child receives the attention and guidance they need to thrive.

Personalized Learning & Skill Development

In Pre-K, children continue to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. We tailor our lessons to meet each child’s learning style and individual needs, ensuring that every child performs at their highest potential. The key areas we focus on include:

• Letter Recognition & Sounds: Reinforcing foundational literacy skills and introducing the writing process.
• Math Skills: Building number sense, patterning, sorting, and problem-solving through engaging activities.
• Fine Motor Skills: Encouraging development with activities like scissors, lacing cards, and art projects.

We use the “Get Set for School” writing program, which introduces writing skills in a developmentally appropriate sequence, ensuring children build confidence and mastery step by step. Our Creative Curriculum fosters critical thinking, creativity, and confidence, offering your child hands-on opportunities to explore, discover, and build lifelong problem-solving skills.

Science, Art & Exploration

Your child will have the chance to explore science concepts through sensory play and various art projects, sparking their curiosity about the world around them. They will also engage with manipulatives that strengthen number sense, patterning, and sorting skills while fostering creativity.

Social & Emotional Growth

Pre-K is a crucial time for developing social skills and emotional awareness. We provide opportunities for children to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and gain confidence in social settings. By encouraging positive communication, your child will become more comfortable interacting with peers and teachers.

Parent Communication & Updates

We believe in keeping parents informed and involved. Our parent board, located just outside the classroom, provides updates on:

• Upcoming events at the center
• Classroom activities and themes
• Weekly focus (including the letter and number of the week)

Each child has a personal folder to store their daily work, which can be checked every day for their artwork and projects.

Show and Tell

We have Show and Tell every Friday, where your child will share something related to the letter or weekly theme. If your child does not attend on Fridays, we encourage them to bring something in on the last day of the week that they do attend.

Summer Camp:

Every year, we host an exciting Summer Camp featuring nine themed weeks of fun-filled activities in an innovative outdoor setting. From tents and sprinklers to camp shows and special events, our Summer Camp provides a memorable experience that your child will cherish.

Visit Us Today!

At My Special Spot, we believe in creating a nurturing, engaging, and enriching environment for your child. We would love to show you around our facility, introduce you to our passionate educators, and discuss how our programs can support your child’s growth and development.

Contact us today to schedule your tour and see firsthand what makes My Special Spot the perfect place for your family!