INFANT PROGRAM

      6 WEEKS - 17 MONTHS

Our infant program provides a loving, enriching environment for babies to explore their surroundings while in the care of experienced, nurturing caregivers.  In each of our infant rooms, babies are surrounded by age-appropriate toys that will enhance their learning experience and development.

• At the St. Joseph Catholic Early Learning Center, we understand the importance of providing one-on-one attention and comfort to each and every baby according to his or her own specific needs.  With this philosophy in mind, the caregivers in our infant rooms follow each child's own individual schedule rather than a set classroom schedule. 

• Every morning, parents are asked to complete a "Baby Information Sheet", which provides important information such as times when the baby was last fed and changed before arriving at the Center.

• During the day, babies have access to soft toys as well as music toys which encourage music and manipulative development.  The rooms are also equipped with round saucers to promote the development of the babies' leg muscles and coordination.  Most importantly, caregivers in the infant rooms construct individual lesson plans specifically tailored to each child's needs and developmental stage. Weather permitting the infants are taken on a buggy ride outside twice daily.

• Caregivers also introduce babies to new words, such as "bottle" or "cup"; even though babies are not able to verbally communicate at this age, we firmly believe that literacy begins at the moment of birth.  During naptime, lullabies are played in the rooms to provide a soothing environment for the babies.

• The Center cannot accept fluffy blankets or stuffed animals to be in the crib with the babies.  State licensing law requires that all infants sleep on their backs and in their assigned crib.  Parents who wish to have their babies sleep in a bouncy seat  due to a medical condition must provide a signed physician's note to be approved through State Licensing.

• At the end of the day caregivers provide parents a "Daily Report", which includes important information about the babies' day such as his/her general mood during the day, feeding habits and number of diaper changes.  The caregivers will also inform parents when their child needs extra diapers, wipes, or other supplies.  Parent’s Choice is the formula we provide to all our infants or you may provide your own. Parents must provide baby food for their child’s specific dietary needs.