Daily Routines. Individual Attention.

Care of children in our center is handled with respect and love. The goal, over time, is for children to participate in their own care, to be able to communicate needs, self-sooth, increase confidence and develop empathy for others around them. Our staff feeds children when they are hungry, diapers them when they are wet and soothes to sleep when they are tired. The physical and emotional needs of the children always come first – and teachers work closely with families to develop diapering, feeding and sleeping plans that are comfortable, familiar and consistent. Explorations are what make our center different, exciting and inspiring. We know that children learn the most by interacting with people and materials. We encourage daily explorations by relying knowledge of child development and the interests of the children individually and as a group.

Explorations

Explorations include work with many different types of materials and often include:
  • Sensory materials such as water, sand, light and shadow.
  • Playing and listening to music.
  • Movement experiences to soothe, challenge and delight, including opportunities to use hands.
  • Art experiences with paint, clay, glue and found objects
  • Language-rich experiences with books, songs and spoken language
  • Math experiences with manipulatives and blocks.
  • Cooking and eating new foods
  • Engaging the natural world outdoors in our private playground.
  • Interacting with children, reading feelings on faces, relating through touch, gesture, babbling and language.

Daily Routines & Individual Attention

Our daily routines establish a pleasant sense of calm, predictable order and sociability that support each child’s care and development. The primary elements of this approach include the following.

Meal and Snack Times

Children exhibit a wide range of developmental needs as well as social skills when eating. From the infant drinking milk in a caregiver’s arms to the toddler feeding themselves at a communal table, all of our students connect to others through experiences with food.

  • Try new foods and drinks under parent approval and permission
  • Name foods and objects
  • Learn the names of classmates
  • Point to or ask for what they want – a significant step in gaining self-help skills

Rest

Depending on the age of the child and the needs of the group, we make napping plans for each student and the class. This may involve napping at will for our youngest children or trying to encourage one nap a day for our toddlers.

We set the stage for rest by providing:
  • A cozy sleeping space with cribs and mats.
  • A peaceful atmosphere and the company of a primary caretaking adult.

Diapering and Potty Training

Diapering is a time for one-on-one communication between teacher and child. We use this time to share an intimate moment together, give each child the opportunity to signal their needs, begin self care, and to promote trust and a deeper bond. Once toddlers show signs of being ready to begin potty training, they will be invited to initiate use of the toilet. Teachers ensure potty training is positive by also working with parents to develop a plan that is stress free for everyone and supports each child’s growing independence.