INFANT & TODDLER CHILD CARE
Ages 0-3 (Teton County Only)
“I love the fact that Katie is singing new songs at home. I love that she goes places and does special projects. When, her little brother Eric was born, he started at Children’s Learning Center when he was only a few months old.The kids are happy and really well taken care of; they get a lot of personal attention. Eric has his ‘extra’ grandmother there whom he considers right up there with the two he already has.” – CLC Parent
High quality child care is an essential part of early childhood development. Children’s Learning Center has a variety of child care options based on age and income.
Infants’ days are focused on the individual babies and there is no schedule. Teachers promote “tummy time” and spend time holding, making eye contact with, and talking to the babies.
Our approach to working with infants and toddlers is guided by a program called Creative Curriculum. This encourages teachers to let children choose their focus and activities (together or in groups) and create learning opportunities involving the children’s interests.
SAMPLE DAY
*Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are provided in our child care programs.
ARRIVAL As infants and young children arrive they are given individual attention to make the transition to the classroom. When they are ready they can move to a “station” and play with a variety of different toys and learning materials.
BREAKFAST The breakfast routine for toddlers includes a couple of children being chosen to set the table, everybody lining up to wash hands, and finally everyone being seated. All meals are served “family style” so children are served at the table, and encouraged to begin serving themselves. They are also encouraged to clean up anything they drop or spill. Fruit and/or vegetables are included with every meal. When finished, children may take their plates to a tray to be taken to the kitchen. They also remove any bowls and/or cups used.
GROUP TIME involves a project planned ahead, perhaps painting, coloring, play dough, sand, or water play. Infants of course sleep as needed!
OUTSIDE TIME is important and toddlers can play in the playgrounds at their campuses or go on walks. When on walks they are either in our strollers that seat up to 6 toddlers, and older children may hold onto the same rope to stay together. Infants can be taken in walks in our strollers too!
LUNCH is served similarly to breakfast, with family style eating and kids involved in every aspect.
QUIET TIME is a time for children to nap if needed or just enjoy some quiet time. Playing quietly is encouraged. For children who are restless, teachers plan quiet activities like drawing, coloring, or being read to.
OUTSIDE OR CENTER TIME Afternoons offer another opportunity to play outside, take a walk, or play in the classroom. This is a time teachers often read to the kids or babies or allow them to choose a “center” and play with various toys.
CLEAN UP is complete by 5pm and children can play in various centers until they are picked up.
BREAKFAST:
A protein (eggs, milk, or yogurt) a whole grain bread or cereal, and fruit.
LUNCH:
A protein (meat or cheese), a whole grain bread or grain, and vegetables.
SNACK:
A whole grain and/or protein and fruit.
Our infant and toddler classrooms are open from 7:30 to 5:30, Monday through Friday.
Please contact Berry Burton at 733-0333 for enrollment information.