Infant Toddler Program
At Bright Beginnings in the Infant/Toddler Porgam infants experience warm, loving, and nurturing surroundings. We understand the importance of providing a secure place where they can fully develop their own little bodies and personalities. We work to make the environments beautiful yet warm with both bright and subdued colors. They have toys specifically for their age, and play areas to explore with so much more.
As the infant continues to grow he or she begins to show both verbal and nonverbal behavior. We talk to them individually, and we read them stories to begin exposing them to different sounds. In fact, we try to provide them with experiences to all five senses: taste, smell, touch, sight, and sound… every day. We also believe that interactions help children of this age adjust and fit into their surroundings. The teachers are in constant contact with the children. Each child begins to feel that they are in safe and loving hands. A soothing voice and a gentle hug go a long way. We play special music to help them fall asleep. The day moves at their pace not ours.
As they move from infants to toddlers we supply a little more structure to keep their little minds and bodies active during the day. Their individual growth at these stages is astonishing. At the toddlers age we sing, play games, continue reading books, undertake art projects, all in the same warm environment they experienced as infants. This allows them to transition naturally to the toddler level.
2016-2017
Sample Daily Schedule
6:30 A.M. Center opens
Drop-off Time- Parents will bring their child directly into the center, sign in book, and leave them with a designated staff member in the infant room. Children may way good-bye at the
“waving window”. Several free-choice style activities and toys are made available for the children to play with at his/her leisure. (Example: books, puzzles, drawing tools, etc.)
7:30 A.M. – 8:30 A.M.
Free Choices- Children are provided with designated areas of play where they can explore with their peers. (Example: manipulative area, library area, dramatic plays, etc.)
8:30 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.
Breakfast Time- hand washing, children are seated at the tables. Napkins, cups, a
breakfast food item is provided to each child along with milk/water. Allergen foods from home are also welcome. Children will be assisted by staff to insure the child has all needed items. Staff will encourage and role model self-help skills. Staff will be sit at the table with the children and monitor/help feed the children. Breakfast will be cleaned up and tables/chairs will be washed.
9:00 A.M. – 9:15 A.M.
Potty Time- With help and guidance from the staff, children will use self-help skills to try
the potty. Changing table is available for when needed. Potty/diapering are done on a 2 hour schedule as well as periodically throughout the day.
9:15 A.M. -10:00 A.M. Outdoor Playground or Indoor Play
10:00 A.M – 12:00 P.M
Circle time – calendar, songs and finger plays
Story Time – children will relax on cozy mats and listen to a theme related story
Art time – weekly theme related art/craft
Sensory table fun – children will use their 5 senses to explore hands on theme related activity
Music & Movement/ Gross Motor – children will express themselves through movement activities while listening to children’s music. Gross motor activities are planned to help with the age appropriate milestone growth
12:00 PM-12:30 PM
Lunchtime- teachers will help guide the children in hand washing at designated sink area. The children will retrieve their lunchboxes from their cubbies and be seated at the table. Staff will
provide each child with a disposable plate, napkin, and disposable utensil. Staff will assist children in opening their lunchbox and heat up food as needed. Staff will remain seated with children at the table and monitor while the children eat. After lunch is cleaned up, all tables are washed.
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Naptime – staff will encourage children to use the potty and change diapers. Staff will set up cots and the children will be guided to lay out their nap mats. Lights will be turned down and soothing music will be played. Staff will monitor nappers and softly rub backs.
3:00 – 4:00 Wake-up, diapering/toileting, and snack time
4:00 – 4:30 Indoor or Outdoor Play
4:30- 5:00
Free Choice- activities, musical games or art project and toys will made available for children to choose Ex: Dress-up, dramatic play items, puzzles, book, blocks, dolls, etc. Staff will monitor and join children in conversation and floor play.
5:00-6:30 Gross Motor/ Music & Movement/ Stories
*Child pick-up time- Parents will enter the center by using a security code. Child will be retrieved directly from a staff member. Parents will sign child out and check child’s cubby/mailbox for items to take home.
*Activities, meals and naps are all based on age and individual child plan