Activities and growth goals:
Quarter 1:
Building secure attachment through responsive caregiving & bonding
Infant massage to support sensory and emotional development
Gentle routines for feeding, sleeping, and daily rhythms
Introduction to outdoor walks and nature exposure
Quarter 2:
Fine and gross motor development through guided movement
Introduction to infant sign language for early communication
Daily outdoor play and safe exploration
Sensory-rich water play and early water introduction
Quarter 3:
Outdoor and nature-based sensory exploration
Hands-on activities to develop tactile awareness
Beginner swimming lessons to build confidence and coordination
Quarter 4:
Gross motor development through movement and balance activities
Introduction to cooperative play and early social skill building
Toddler gymnastics class to promote strength, confidence, and body awareness
Quarter 5:
Introduction to self-care routines (washing hands, putting on shoes, etc.)
Focused language development through naming and conversation
"Little Ninja" movement class to channel energy into coordination and fun
Group story time to support listening, comprehension, and interaction
Social skill focus: sharing, turn-taking, and empathy
Quarter 6:
Interactive story time with peer engagement
Guided art experiences for self-expression and creativity
Emotional regulation strategies through modeling and play
Quarter 7:
Nature exploration and environmental awareness
Soccer Tots program for teamwork, agility, and physical development
Critical thinking and problem solving through Montessori-based play
Potty learning bootcamp with consistent support and structure
Imaginative and pretend play to support abstract thinking and creativity
Quarter 8:
Community awareness through literature and dress up
Preschool readiness skills, including eating at the table with peers, sleeping independently on a classroom cot, and practicing leadership through modeling and helping others
Music and movement classes to promote rhythm, coordination, and joy
Focus on independence and care of the classroom environment
Meet your guides for The Wonder Year
Kelli Davis
As a seasoned educator, nanny, and mother of four, my life’s work has always centered around helping children thrive. I began my career teaching middle school, then transitioned into Special Education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis, where I worked closely with neurodiverse learners to support their growth with compassion and science-based strategies.
In 2018, I stepped away from public education to become an Independent Educational Behavioral Consultant, working primarily with therapeutic boarding schools to support adolescents in complex developmental and emotional stages.
But during the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself deeply missing the quiet magic of infancy—the warmth, the coos, the incredible transformation that unfolds in the first years of life. I joined a nanny placement agency and began working with an expecting mother just one day a week. That single day quickly became the highlight of my week—and the catalyst for a beautiful pivot back to what I love most.
I find profound joy in supporting babies during their earliest, most formative months. To be trusted as part of a child’s first years is, to me, one of the greatest honors a person can receive. My goal is to respond with intention and sensitivity to each baby’s cues, to provide experiences that align with their natural developmental windows, and to curate a space that is as safe and soothing as it is stimulating and growth-promoting.
I believe wholeheartedly in the Montessori philosophy of respecting the child, following their lead, and preparing an environment that encourages independence, curiosity, and deep emotional security. Through this lens, I strive to raise babies who are joyful, confident, and grounded in a sense of connection to themselves and others.
At The Wonder Year, I’ve created a space where science and sensitivity come together—where parents are supported, children are deeply understood, and every moment is an opportunity for wonder.
David Davis
With over 20 years of experience working with children from infants through teenagers, I bring a deep passion for early childhood development and a commitment to fostering growth through active learning. My journey began at 14 when I took a certification course at Seattle Children’s Hospital and spent summers babysitting, which laid the foundation for my lifelong dedication to working with young children.
Over the years, I’ve coached gymnastics for children and teens, served as an assistant coach for Oregon State University’s cheerleading team, and specialized in safe exercise for children and disabled individuals.
I hold Bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Exercise and Sport Science from Oregon State University. I spent 10 years as a business and life coach, helping families with relational dynamics and supporting parents in building strong connections with their children. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on creating safe, engaging environments for babies to explore and develop, which inspired me to co-found The Wonder Year.