The children’s program is developmental; each child’s placement depends on his or her individual development. We speak of age ranges in each room as a base indicator of the class group, and the teachers gear their classrooms to the typical development of children in that age range, but there is always room for exceptions when it is appropriate to the child’s needs.
Goals for Infants:
- Regulation of internal schedule – napping, eating, elimination
- Development of gross motor (large muscle) control
- Sense of self
- Ability to communicate needs through eye contact, sign language and verbalization
- Develop trust with caregivers and peers
- Discovering “cause and effect”
Our infant program encourages your infant’s healthy development. We will make every attempt to follow your baby’s individual schedule for feeding, sleeping, and playful interaction. We practice safe sleep (on their back) at 1st Step. Our goal is to mirror your patterns at home. Through playing, singing and talking to your child, we are providing the foundation to learning.
We require that the infant be at least 6 weeks old at the time of enrollment. Until your baby is on regular table food, we will follow your written diet plan and use the food you provide.
Daily supplies to be provided by parents include:
- Formula/baby food and cereal is provided by the Center. Should you decide to bring your own please make sure all bottles and containers are labeled with your child’s first and last name and the date.
- Disposable diapers and wipes
- Two complete changes of clothes to be left at the Center, including bibs and burp cloths.
- Cold or frozen Breast milk can be provided for your child if you choose. It must be labeled with the child’s name and dated. Breast milk is stored in the infant room refrigerator or freezer. Feeding schedules must be updated and signed every 30 days. Mothers are more than welcome to breastfeed in the center. The rocking chair in the infant room can be used for your convenience. Breastfeeding literature is available upon request.
This group is a distinct stage of development – no longer infants, and not yet pre-schoolers. They begin to shift from their individualized infant program to more of a group routine. The environment is different, supporting increased physical ability, with more advanced toys, and more space to move in. They are increasing language skills, learning about feelings and working on impulse control. The desire to control the movement of their bodies is paramount, so the environment offers many opportunities for walking and climbing in the room.
Goals for Toddlers:
- Routines which give some control over their lives and build security.
- Ownership which needs to be established before they are ready to share or take turns and which is part of the process of understanding their own autonomy.
- Self-help skills where they can really learn to “do it myself”
- Language which allows the children to express their needs to others.
- Physical development which allows them to control their body and discover what it can do.
Our toddler program attempts to meet the individualized needs of your child. Our qualified staff will provide love, attention and care for your child while they are in our care. Since children learn through playing and exploring, we will provide them with a wide range of activities throughout the day. Language, self-help and toilet training skills, small and large motor skills develop during this period.
Daily supplies to be provided by parents include:
- Formula or milk other than 2% milk, if desired
- Disposable diapers and wipes
- Two complete changes of clothes labeled with your child’s first and last name to be left at the Center
Children build knowledge when they can actively explore and interact with their environment. Developmentally appropriate activities are provided in the classroom to ignite the natural desire of learning within each child. This is a time when children find new ways to improve their coordination, learn complex games and interact with peers.
Goals for Preschool Program:
- Positive self-concept
- Independence and self-confidence at the appropriate level of ability
- Ability to understand others and communicate needs through language
- Develop physical skills and coordination – large and small motor
- Intellectual growth through play and mental exploration
- Readiness for kindergarten through appropriate cognitive learning experiences
- Creative expression through dramatic play, music and movement
Our preschool program will provide a classroom environment where children can explore, laugh, play and learn. We will assist in the development of good social skills with adults and other children. Watch your child demonstrate self-confidence as they strengthen their cognitive skills. Your child will receive the necessary tools needed to complete the final phase of early childhood education and prepare them for the wonderful years ahead!
Daily supplies to be provided by parents include:
- Milk other than 2% milk, if desired.
- Sturdy shoes for outdoor play
- Spare clothes for toilet trained children that are labeled with your child’s first and last name to be left at the Center
