WELCOME TO TOTS MY TIME
Miami’s Boutique Toddler Program
At TOTS My Time, we believe the earliest years of life deserve the deepest care and attention. Founded by seasoned child development specialists Marcela Teran and Martinica Barrionuevo—with over 30 years of combined experience—our program was born out of a simple yet powerful realization: families need a better way to support toddlers as they transition from the safety of home into their first structured group experiences.
In a world that often pushes children toward premature academics, TOTS offers a different path—one grounded in evidence, compassion, and play. Decades of research have shown that children learn best not through rigid instruction, but through joyful, meaningful play. That’s exactly what we offer: a play-based, sensory-rich, and developmentally attuned environment where your child can thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
ABOUT US
More Than a Program—A Gentle Journey
We recognize that transitioning into a new environment is a profound moment for both toddlers and their families. That’s why we offer a thoughtful, slow-paced adaptation process, respecting each child’s emotional readiness and family’s comfort. Parents are welcome to stay during the first few days as children build bonds with our teachers and peers.
Our goal isn’t just to prepare your child for preschool—it’s to help them develop confidence, independence, and trust in the world around them.
Key Elements Of Our Developmental Classes
Toys are open-ended to promote imagination
We benefit from the child's intrinsic curiosity
Theme-based classes that change monthly
Developing independence in daily life activities
The student-teacher relationship is our most important tool
We understand the importance of movement to promote sensory regulation
Our program is designed fusing elements from different educational and therapeutic models, that we have consistently used over the past 15 years and that we strongly believe support development in the best manner: DIR Floortime, Sensory Integration, Social Thinking, Neurodevelopment, Reggio Emilia approach, Neuro Development, among others.
WHO WOULD BENEFIT
Is This Program A Good Fit For My Family?
The program is designed for toddlers from 18 to 30 months. We focus on a friendly, slow paced and emotionally respectful transition for your child at home to him/ her attending a semi structured environment.
This is not an academic program, but rather a developmental one where your child will strengthen all the skills that are pre-requisites for academic learning (fine and gross motor, self-regulation, language precursors).
THE PROCESS
What Happens During This Transition?
During transition, children and their families encounter a new environment, new children, new adults, new teachers, new spaces, and a new daily rhythm. As teachers, we believe in the importance of taking time to get to know each other and start creating a sense of belonging to the group and the school. During the first days of school children and families come full of happiness, expectations, and mixed emotions. Feelings of eagerness to discover the new, as well as feelings of wonder towards the unknown, are typical.
We believe children and families have the right to live a comfortable transition. Quality, time, and respect are aspects that we strongly value, especially during the beginning of this journey. Each family’s transition is special and respected, and we will support you in the best possible way. Our priority is that your child feels comfortable as he/she begin building new relationships.
THE RESULTS
What Should You Expect At The End Of The Program?
Your child will be initially assessed using a standardized test for language or for motor development, which will give us a baseline of where his/ her skills are and we will monitor bimonthly and give you a short written report. It is expected that toddlers attending the program will develop within normal ranges until the transition into pre-school. We re-asses every 6 months using the same standardized developmental tests.
They will also be immersed in an environment rich in opportunities for social interactions to facilitate strong peer and adult relationships skills. Your child will have a solid foundation to begin formal pre-school education!
FOLLOW US
Our Latest Instagram Posts
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Tots my time offers an innovative program that blends various educational and therapeutic models to support children's development. We have seen consistent positive results. Highly recommend.
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Very effective in promoting child development. It was a total success for us and we love their approach. Strongly recommend!
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Outstanding results for our children's development. Our experience has been extremely positive. Super recommend.
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