6 weeks to 12 months
Infant Program
A child understands his world in which there are creatures separate and apart from themselves. This comes when he is held and cared for. Ideally the infant finds that relationship with his mother, but when that is not possible it is essential for him to form an attachment to another adult. At Pumpkin Patch a warm, supportive relationship will be established between the care giver and the infant to promote sound emotional development. Infants learn so much in the first years of their lives. Creating an atmosphere to promote development and discovery is important in an Infant classroom. We focus on sensory development; tactile, audio/visual activities; singing and storytelling. These activities teach the babies those basic concepts that are so important to a child’s growth and development. Free play is used to promote self-discovery and socialization. Through using manipulative toys and age-appropriate art activities the infants creativity and imagination are fostered. Our infant program allows for individual schedules, fashioned by the parents and infants themselves. Our general routine is as follows:
Infant Schedule
7:30-9:00 Arrival and Free Play
Teachers’ greet parents and children. Discuss the child’s night become informed of daily schedules (additions or changes). Children take this time to free play in their room with teacher interaction.
9:00-9:30 Snack
This is the time that Center snack is served if your child is cleared for table food.
9:30-10:00 Diapers/ Free Play
Diaper changing occurs during this time. It is an opportunity for the teacher to interact one on one with the child. The co-teacher takes this opportunity to play on the floor with the other children.
10:00- ? Nap Time
Although the infants do not have a set nap time it is usually at this time that the nap cycle begins.
11:30-12:00 Lunch
Lunch is provided by the Center and is served to those children who have been cleared to eat Center food.
12:00-1:00 Lunch Clean up/ Free Play/Diapering
One teacher clears up lunch. One teacher engages in floor play.
1:00-1:30 Art/ Free Play
At this time the older children participate in an art activity. Younger infants get their “tummy” time.
1:30- 2:30 Diapers/ Nap Time
We find that this is the second round of naps for the children. Again this is not a set nap time.
2:30-3:00 Snack
Center snack is provided and served to children who have been cleared to eat Center food.
3:00-3:30 Snack Clean up/ Free Play
3:30-5:30 Diapering/Free Play/Dismissal Preparation
Teachers use this time to talk to the parents regarding their child’s day. Daily sheets are reviewed and the room is prepared for the next day.
