6 weeks – 24 months
Infant & Toddler Program
Our Infant/Toddler Program accepts children from six weeks through two years of age. Our program focuses on providing responsive caregiving through a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where infants and toddlers can explore, learn, and grow. The core philosophy of such programs is rooted in Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), ensuring that the care and education provided are tailored to the unique needs of very young children.
Key Features of Our Infant/Toddler Program
1. Safe and Nurturing Environment:
The program prioritizes creating a warm, secure, and child-friendly environment where infants and toddlers feel safe and cared for. This includes well-maintained, child-proofed spaces with appropriate equipment and materials that are accessible to very young children.
2. Responsive Caregiving:
Caregivers and educators build strong, trusting relationships with each child, responding to their needs with sensitivity and consistency. This includes understanding and responding to cues like crying, cooing, or body language, ensuring that each child feels secure and supported.
3. Individualized Care and Attention:
Recognizing that each child develops at their own pace, infant-toddler programs emphasize individualized care. Activities and interactions are tailored to each child’s developmental stage, personality, and interests, whether it be feeding, diapering, or playing.
4. Focus on Social-Emotional Development:
A significant emphasis is placed on fostering social-emotional skills. Educators support children in developing trust, forming attachments, and beginning to understand and express emotions. Positive interactions with caregivers and peers are encouraged to help infants and toddlers build strong social foundations.
5. Developmentally Appropriate Activities:
The program includes a variety of sensory-rich, developmentally appropriate activities that stimulate exploration and learning. Activities might include tummy time, interactive play, singing, storytelling, and simple problem-solving tasks. These activities are designed to support the development of motor skills, language, cognitive abilities, and social interactions.
6. Play-Based Learning:
Play is central to learning in an infant-toddler program. Through both free play and guided play, children explore their environment, interact with others, and discover new concepts. The program provides a range of toys and materials that encourage exploration, creativity, and sensory development.
7. Routine and Consistency:
Consistent routines are crucial for infants and toddlers, helping them feel secure and understand what to expect throughout the day. The program includes predictable schedules for feeding, napping, playing, and other daily activities, with enough flexibility to adapt to the needs of individual children.
8. Family Engagement:
The program actively involves families, recognizing them as the child’s first and most important teachers. Regular communication with parents or guardians is maintained to share the child’s progress, and families are encouraged to participate in the program through activities, meetings, and events.
9. Language and Communication Development:
The program supports early language development through rich verbal interactions, storytelling, and singing. Caregivers talk to infants and toddlers frequently, responding to their vocalizations and encouraging them to express themselves.
10. Health, Safety, and Nutrition:
Infant-toddler programs prioritize the health, safety, and nutrition of the children. This includes following strict hygiene practices, providing nutritious meals and snacks, and creating a physically safe environment.
Goals of an Infant-Toddler Program
Promote Secure Attachments: Help infants and toddlers form strong, trusting relationships with caregivers and peers.
Support Development: Provide experiences that support the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of each child.
Encourage Exploration: Create opportunities for children to explore their environment safely and confidently.
Foster Early Learning: Lay the groundwork for language, problem-solving, and other foundational skills through age-appropriate activities.
Examples of Program Activities
Tummy Time: Promotes motor development and strengthens muscles as infants spend time on their tummies, exploring toys or interacting with caregivers.
Sensory Play: Includes activities like playing with water, sand, or textured materials, which help develop sensory processing skills.
Interactive Storytime: Engages infants and toddlers with stories, songs, and finger plays that encourage language development and listening skills.
Music and Movement: Encourages physical activity and rhythm awareness through dancing, clapping, and playing with musical instruments.
