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Each infant is cared for in a warm and affectionate manner. The Infant Program provides many opportunities for large and small group experiences and individual attention. Language development, sensory exploration, and large and small motor activities are encouraged through indoor and outdoor play. The thoughtfully planned environment includes open spaces and a large variety of toys and equipment. The Infant Program offers children an unhurried schedule plus an exciting and challenging setting in which they can enjoy developmentally appropriate, safe play experiences.
The Infant Program has been based on our belief that children learn best when they live and play in a setting which encourages them to freely explore their environment. We are concerned with the child's physical, cognitive and social needs. We have found that these needs can best be met when an experiential, or "hands on" approach, is coupled with a loving, accepting philosophy. The philosophy is implemented by our experienced teaching staff who provide the children in their care with the opportunities to enjoy, at their own pace, the wonders of their world.
Since infant schedules are so varied and each child is different, we adjust our schedule to accommodate the needs of the children in the group. We further appreciate that much of the time spent with infants is spent with routine care; feeding, diapering and nap time. We understand that these activities are potentially valuable learning experiences for babies and view them in that manner. Because schedules are varied, caregivers and babies have opportunities to enjoy one-on-one relationships while performing routine care tasks. These are wonderful opportunities for holding, cuddling, talking and singing to the infant.
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Infant Program Goals
• Care for babies is individualized; caregiving practices are tailored to the personality of each baby.
• Infants are cared for in a warm, affectionate way that lets them know they are safe and loved.
• There is a balance of consistency and variety in both caregiving practices and the physical environment. Consistency nurtures the safe, primary relationship between baby and caregiver; variety supports the changing needs and personalities of infants in our care.
• Every experience is a learning experience. Infants are cared for in a way that optimizes opportunities for learning and social interaction in daily routine activities.
• Infants are held and nurtured throughout their day at The Children's Center. Physical contact between the infant and caregiver is a primary component to the program.
• Infants have the opportunity to enjoy and learn from interacting with other infants in a stimulating and safe environment.
• Communication between parents and staff, plus consistency between day care and home caregiving practices, promote the best possible care for each infant at The Children's Center.
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Helping children develop language skills which enhance their ability to express themselves and communicate their needs is a primary goal of this group. Included in the toddler's day are opportunities for creative expression through a variety of art, music, and cognitive experiences. Small and large motor coordination activities are provided both indoors and outdoors and are an integral part of the toddler's day. A variety of toys and materials are available at the child's level which gives each child the freedom and opportunity to make choices. Self-help skills which foster independence and contribute to the child's positive self-image are also encouraged.
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Toddler Program Goals
• To provide a loving, caring atmosphere where each child is respected for his/her uniqueness.
• To meet the physical and emotional needs of the child.
• To provide ample opportunities for the development of language, large and small motor skills, positive social interactions, and physical and emotional growth.
• To develop self-help skills such as feeding and dressing so that the child has a feeling of independence and confidence.
• To provide care in small groups so that the child is given the personal attention so necessary for his/her development.
• To allow children more freedom of choice and help them feel independent in their environment.
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Our focus for the Pre-School Cluster is to create an environment in which children can learn to respect themselves and others. The positive, accepting relationship between staff and child is designed to provide a relaxed, loving setting where independence and choices are encouraged and self-esteem is enhanced. A wide variety of activities and experiences are planned to help children learn problem-solving and negotiating skills which empower them to play cooperatively. Our goal is to foster curiosity about the world in which we live and develop an appreciation for learning. Care is given to allow children ample opportunities to express their creativity through art activities, music and movement expression, language skills, cognitive challenges and dramatic play. The development of large and small motor coordination is provided through active outdoor as well as indoor play activities.
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Pre-School Program Goals
• To provide a nurturing, challenging, and inclusive environment with caring adults where self-concepts are enhanced, independence encouraged, and social skills acquired. Individuality is respected and opportunities for decision making are encouraged.
• To provide large portions of time for the child to spend with peers engaging in a variety of age-appropriate activities.
• To provide the child with opportunities to gain competence in a variety of skills and techniques that increase his/her interest and choices in his/her environment.
• To provide for each child's physical well-being.
• To provide opportunities to develop large motor skills and coordination through physically active play.
• To develop, in the child, an active curiosity about the world in which he/she lives and an enthusiasm for learning which stimulates exploratory behavior and creativity.
• To help the child gain self-control in an environment where he/she knows the limits and expectations for behavior.
• To provide an atmosphere, in the classroom, which promotes respect for self, others and the envirnoment.
• To help the child establish a sense of belonging and a sense of community.
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