The early years are full of growth, discovery, and new connections, and play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn. Choosing the right toys during this stage can help support fine motor skills, language development, and cognitive growth. For families with children enrolled in programs near Brooke Grove in Olney, MD, educational toys can easily extend learning at home in fun, age-appropriate ways.
The best learning toys are simple, open-ended, and encourage your child to explore. Toys that involve stacking, sorting, pushing, pulling, or problem-solving build foundational skills in a playful way. Avoid overly flashy or electronic toys that do all the work for your child; instead, look for items that let your child take the lead.
These toys promote visual tracking, auditory processing, and cause-and-effect thinking. Many programs in Olney preschool settings use similar tools to stimulate sensory learning.
Toddlers are busy exploring the world and building their vocabularies. Here are a few favorites for this age:
These toys help toddlers learn words, test problem-solving strategies, and start to engage in pretend play, which is key to brain and language development.
Need inspiration for more learning-based activities at home? Check out our post on Preschool Activities You Can Do at Home to Encourage Learning.
Too many options at once can overwhelm young children. Instead, rotate a small group of toys each week. Keep a few sets tucked away and bring them out to renew interest. This approach builds focus and makes toys feel “new” again, helping children stick with activities longer and learn more deeply.
It doesn’t take a toy aisle to spark learning. Simple household items, like plastic containers, scarves, measuring cups, and cardboard boxes can inspire hours of imaginative play and critical thinking. Join your child on the floor and follow their lead. Talking about what they’re doing (“You stacked three cups!”) adds a layer of language and connection.
You’ll find more ideas like this in our blog on Encouraging Creativity and Imagination in Preschoolers.
Looking for more ways to support your child’s early development? Here are a few parent-friendly resources from our blog:
Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or just refreshing the toy shelf at home, choosing thoughtfully designed toys helps nurture your child’s brain and build a strong foundation for future learning.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
