CHICKADEES

The infant classroom is small and cozy. It serves children aged 0 to 24 months of age although they generally transition over to the toddler classroom at 18 months old.   The environment has quiet music and is designed to be calm and soothing. The classroom has features that invite them to develop via varying sensory inputs– lots of textures and a variety of objects to touch and feel. We welcome parents to visit and have a rocking chair for breastfeeding mothers and for the teachers to rock and feed the younger infants.  As the infants become more mobile, they can take advantage of small climbing structures, padded stairs, and a small slide.  Infants in this classroom practice tummy time, crawling, walking, and mastering going up and down steps.  We introduce new obstacles slowly, staying close while they investigate.  Eventually, as they become more comfortable, we step back a little at a time to let them explore.  While the youngest infants often follow their own schedule, eating as sleeping as they need, we are able to help introduce a more regular schedule as they grow older.  Playtime, naps and snacks form the backbone of the daily schedule with other activities such as art and music each week. The children are also introduced to sign language; most of the signs taught are for their daily needs such as please, thank-you, and more.  This helps alleviate the stress young ones sometimes have due to the inability to communicate.  We include outdoor play whenever the weather cooperates and facilitate activities that develop fine and gross motor skills. The infants also participate in art which is adapted for them to participate.

Courtesy of Jessie Moore Photography

Chickadee Schedule

Fall/Winter
Morning
7:30 A.M.  Arrivals/Free Choice
9:00 A.M.  Snack
9:30 A.M.  Music and Free Play
10:00 A.M.  Morning Nap
11:30 A.M.  Art
Afternoon:
12:00 P.M.  Lunch
12:30 P.M.  Outside Time
1:30 P.M.  Circle Time and Sensory
2:00 P.M.  Afternoon Nap
3:30 P.M.  Snack
4:00 P.M.  Music and Movement
6:00 P.M.  Departure