Infants
Babies are encouraged to play with a variety of toys that shake, make noise and they can manipulate with their hands. Safe, small muscle toys are organized by type and stored on low open shelves for the babies to access freely. Teachers show babies how to use toys as needed (stacking blocks, shake a rattle, etc) Non-mobile babies are placed on soft, carpeted areas with a blanket or play mat underneath where they can move freely. Tummy time is given for short intervals to allow babies to develop neck and upper body strength. Safe open space is provided for crawlers and walkers, with opportunities to pull up and develop large motor skills. Reading, singing and sign language are all imbedded in the day to promote language development and cognition. Teachers will spend lots of time cuddling your little one to ensure they feel safe, happy and nurtured!
Activities
Include:
Activities include a diverse range of engaging experiences, tailored to each child's interests and talents
Daily Routine and Schedule
A flexible schedule is provided for meal, nap and play times. Teachers will work with you as the parent to ensure that your scheduling wishes are carried out and each and every child receives exactly what he/she needs.
Cognitive Development
Teachers frequently talk to children about their activities, what they observe, and the shape, size, and color of toys and familiar objects. Sensory play is also offered to allow babies to safely explore materials using all five senses. Sensory play is also provided so babies may safely explore a variety of materials using all five senses.
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Language Development
The teachers encourage babbling and talking by repeating the sounds they make. Babies are also taught basic signs such as; milk, eat, more, help, please, thank you and I love you. Use of signs are helpful for babies to communicate before they have the verbal skills to do so.
Outside Time
The children go outside daily. They enjoy rides in the buggy and take turns feeling the breeze in the baby swings. Patio time is a nice time for even non-mobile babies to explore or relax in the fresh air. Carpets and padding are provided so babies can safely explore outside the classroom. Climbing wedges, balls and a variety of other toys are provided as well for gross motor development.
Music
Pictures, mobiles and other objects are placed where they are easy for children to see. Teachers sing alphabet songs, chant numbers, and show board books while pointing, naming, and counting things in the book. Music and movement is always included daily. Musical toys and toys with sound are available as well as cause and effect type toys to engage the babies senses and encourage active brain development.
Infant Developmental Domains
Every child develops at a different pace. These guidelines are meant to serve as a reference only. It is perfectly normal for a child to move at a slower or faster pace during their first years. Parents and caregivers should follow the babies cues and work towards helping the baby master developmental goals at their own pace.
1-3 Months
- Responding to human voice, smiles and eye contact: Make eye contact with the baby. Smile and use high and low tones when singing and talking. Be expressive when engaging with the baby throughout the day and during diaper changes.
- Opportunity to use all five senses
- Show colorful and reflective objects 8”-12” away from babies face to develop focus
- Follow with eyes from side to side
- Encourage baby to turn head by moving objects slowly to the left or right of babies view
- Encourage baby to turn head to the sound of your voice
- Look at clear simple pictures and designs
- Grasp small rattle or toy briefly
- Looks in a mirror
- Laughs: Play with baby and tickle to encourage laughing
- Looks at hands & feet
- Lift baby to standing position and support with feet on a firm surface. Baby will begin to learn to bounce by straightening and bending the knees
- Tummy time for 3-5 mins, 3 times per day. (Follow infants cues, do not continue tummy time if infant is fussing. Try to gradually increase the length of tummy time until the goal is met.
4-5 Months
- Shake a small toy briefly
- Lifts head to look around
- Sit supported with a steady head
- Show colorful and reflective objects 12”-18” away from babies face to develop focus
- Allow opportunities to bat and hit at hanging toys
- Roll over front to back
- Roll over back to front
- Recognizes the sound of his/her name
- Look for partially hidden objects
- Encourage reaching while on tummy
- Hold a bottle
- Sit in a high chair
- Reach with one hand to pick something up
- Sit without support
- Tummy time for 5-7 mins, 5 times per day. Goal should be for the baby to support more weight on the elbows allowing his/her chest to rise.
6-7 Months
- Reach for nearby toy on tummy
- Extend arms and legs (alternately or together) off surface when on tummy and raise neck
- Encourage swimming motions that may lead to tummy crawling
- Encourage baby to pull up into a sitting position
- Respond joyfully to emotion (be silly to promote laughter)
- Rock on hands and knees
- Look for hidden objects under a blanket
- Can take an item from someone's hand and give it back
- Sit without support
- Lunge forward and get on hands and knees
- Encourage infant “talk” by mimicking their sounds back to them and praising and smiling when they make a sound in response to your voice.
8-9 Months
- Look at objects when named
- Turn pages in a board book
- Pull a string
- Take things out of containers
- Pick up small finger foods and place in mouth with pincer grasp
- Pull up to stand, but not get down (provide one on one support)
- Wave bye-bye
- Drop things into a small container or opening
- Shake, bang, throw & drop objects
- Crawl, scoot, creep or move from one place to another
- Get to sitting position without assistance
- Plays peek a boo
- Clap
- Nod yes
- Says mama and dada
- Participate in activity or song
10-12 Months
- Make a stack of two blocks
- Crawl in, around and over obstacles
- Pushes walking toys
- Follow simple directions (touch body parts)
- Poke at holes with pointing finger
- Fit one thing into another
- Look at pictures in a book
- Looks at correct picture when object is named
- Imitates (fingerplays or actions in songs)
- Roll a ball
- Help pull off simple clothing
- Can place 3 nesting cups correctly
- Walks while holding walking bar
- Stands momentarily without support
- Make a stack of three blocks
- Scribbles with markers
- Takes 2 or 3 steps without assistance
- Bring a familiar person an object that belongs to them
- Engage in pretend play (kitchen play, brush hair, feed baby, use wash cloth)
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