PROGRAMS WE OFFER

Infants

Our infant room cares for children 6 weeks to 18 months of age. Our Child to teacher ratio is 4:1. The lead teacher has her specialized CDA in Infant Toddler Care, and does at least 20 hours a year in infant specialized training.

For the best interest of the infant, we run on their schedule, including, but not limited to: Sleeping, diaper changing, eating and playing. We require a basic written schedule from each parent letting us know their child(ren)s basic schedules concerning feeding times, amounts, and sleep schedules. Parents will have to provide diapers, wipes, extra change of clothes and a blanket. Each infant will be given their own crib, which will only be used by that child. Each Infant will also be given a locker that will be their own. Parents are more than welcome to bring needed items and leave them in their child’s locker so that they do not have to carry a diaper bag back and forth.

The Children’s Home will provide cereal, jar food, and table food for each infant. We also offer Wegman's Enfamil Equivalent formula if you so choose to use it. We are breastfeeding friendly; we have an open door policy. If your schedule allows for you to come here to feed, you are more than welcome!

Before the child is ready to transition to the toddler room we will start putting them to sleep on a cot, and weaning the bottle and pacifier if necessary. When a child is ready to transition to the toddler room at 18 months we will ease the tension of transition for them by sending one of the infant teachers into the toddler room with them for their first few visits. We will set up a time for you to meet the childs new teacher and tour the room.

Waddlers

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Toddlers

Our toddler rooms care for children 18 months to 3 years of age. The child to teacher ratio is 5:1. Our lead teachers have their specialized CDA in Infant and Toddler care, and do at least 20 hours of specialized toddler training. The toddler rooms have a set routine, with somewhat of a flexible schedule. Breakfast is served at 8:30, lunch at 11:30, and snack at 2:30. Rest time is scheduled for 12:00pm to 2:00pm. The toddlers will be encouraged to serve themselves, dress themselves and help pickup.

Potty training should take place when the child is in this age group. We will be more than happy to help you potty train your child. Your child should be able to voice that they need to go potty, and they should be able to pull up and down their pants. You will need to provide plenty of extra clothes during this process.

Children can begin to transition to the 3 year old room three months prior to their third birthday. They must be potty trained and emotionally ready. We will set up a meeting between the teachers, the Director, and the parents before the transition period to talk about when everyone feels is the best time to transition and how.

3 yr old Preschool

Your child will start their preschool experience in the 3 year old room. The ratio in this classroom is 7:1, and our lead teacher has her Bachelor's In Early Childhood Education. The 3 yr olds are very curious about the world around them. The Children's Home gives each child many opportunities to explore and create. Playing is an important part of each day. The children are provided ample opportunities to learn as well as to practice their social skills, improve on their language skills and to problem solve. As their world expands, the children become less egocentric. Friendships begin to develop and the children learn to express their needs and listen to the ideas of their peers. Learning to share, take turns, negotiate and compromise, and to express feelings in a positive manner are huge milestones during this time in their lives. We offer a child-centered program that includes learning about the world around us, weather, community helpers, seasons, scenes, nutrition and self-help skills. As play unfolds, teachers identify that interests the children and they plan activities and lessons to expand on those interests. Our activities involve art, music and movement, cooking, hands-on exploration, and filed trips. Manipulative and tactile materiels, such as sand, water, rice and beans, shaving cream, play dough, and food are used throughout our programs. The Children's Home provides a nurturing environment in which children can grow emotionally and develop self confidence.

4 year old Preschool

Our 4 year old room is fun and exciting. It is taught by a teacher whom has her CDA in Preschool and has been working with young children for over 20 years. The ratio in this classroom is 8:1 and never larger than 16 children.

Four year old children undergo dramatic cognitive and socio-emotional changes. They begin to realize the impact of using language and thinking independently. As cognitive and language skills develop, social dynamics become more complex, and sometime more challenging. The challenge may seem a distraction, but it is an important focus for the 4 year olds. The social and emotional lessons that children absorb now-including building cooperation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills- will be carried through into adult life. We pride ourselves in having each child ready for Kindergarten. They will have the basic skills needed such as knowing their colors, numbers, letterers and the sounds they make, shapes and more. Plus, they will have the emotional tactics to be ready for the new and upcoming changes that they will face.