Younger Infants
One of the most difficult decisions you can make as a parent involves the care of your child. We offer a warm and nurturing environment in which to leave your baby. All our infants are full time and we do not accept children on a drop-in basis. Each child has their own crib and area in the room. Our nursery is considered a clean room and everyone who enters must remove their shoes. Our floors are heated and therefore the children are free to explore throughout the room.
Approximately two weeks prior to your baby’s first day with us, the lead teacher will meet with you to discuss your child’s schedule, their needs, and their current routine. This will help your baby transition from being at home with you to being in care.
Although it may not always be possible, we offer trial days for parents who feel as though they may need to start off slowly. On these trial days, parents can leave their child for a few hours as a way to prepare the baby and themselves for when they will need to leave them for the entire day.
We understand that the first day you leave your baby may be very difficult. You may have mixed emotions and even tears. You are welcome to call whenever you need to or come back to visit if that is possible. Rest assured your baby will be well taken care of.
The best way to ensure that your child’s transition is a smooth one is to be sure you have brought everything on the list of items needed for the care of your baby. You must also give the teacher a copy of your child’s daily routine and all health forms. Be sure that all forms are completed and are up-to-date.
On the first day, it is best to try and keep your goodbye short. The longer you make your goodbye, the more difficult it will be for you to actually leave. During the first few days your child is with us, the lead caregiver will call you in the morning to let you know how your baby is doing. If you are too stressed or anxious to wait for a call, you are always welcome to call us.
We encourage parents to ask as many questions as they wish or feel they need to. There are no silly or unimportant questions when it comes to the care of your baby.
Older Infants
The older infants range in age from 14 months to 28 months. These babies function as a group, with more structured eating, sleeping and playing schedules than the Young Infant Program. At this level, motor and language development and the acquisition of social skills are encouraged by our experienced staff. Children begin to understand routine. Daily activities such as coloring, singing, and dancing promote the development of large motor skills.
While transitioning from the Young Infants to the Older Infant class, children will be taken to the next room for certain activities or for a set amount of time. The activities and amount of time depends on the child’s tolerance of appropriate activities. The process of transitioning a child may take anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks or even more. There is no way to rush this process. Please keep in mind that children will only be moved when it is in their best interest. The transition of younger infants to older infants is completely under the control of the director. When the transitioning starts, how long it is needed, and when the final move will take place is determined by the director and varies from child to child. During the transition period, children will be dropped off and picked up in the Younger Infant classroom. It would be beneficial for you to check with staff members from the Older Infant Classroom, at the end of the day, to see how things are progressing, and to see how your child is adjusting to their new surroundings.
