Infants, Wobblers, Toddlers, & Preschool
Infant Classroom (Group size of 4-7, Ratio 1:4)
Both Hayden & Coburg ELC offer infant care. The infant classroom is an authentically pleasing and peaceful environment. There is an area for the youngest babies to lay on the floor on a soft quilt, have tummy time, they will have access to mirrors at floor level, mobiles to observe, and objects to grasp; balls and rolling toys to reach for by creeping; and rattles and objects to hold, shake, bang, and mouth. Movement is critical to brain development- with the same importance to growth and development as proper nutrition! There are bars and furniture placed around the room on which young children can pull themselves up. We also supply walking wagons, in which little ones can hold onto and push before they can take steps on their own. There is plenty of push and pull toys to take along when they do begin to walk on their own. The room is kept comfortably warm and cozy, which allows infants and very young children to spend time in comfortable clothing that does not inhibit their freedom of movement. The infant classroom contains several low shelves with fine-motor activities such as puzzles, bead-stringing, rings on posts, pegboards with large pegs, object permanence activities, and various containers to open and close and fill and empty. We recommend the same type of activities for home.
Wobbler Classroom (Group size of 8, Ratio 1:4)
Wobblers are that wonderful stage between baby hood and growing into a whole new person. They begin to walk, develop language as well as a deeper sense of awareness to both their surroundings and their feelings. Now is the time were they begin to explore not only with their mouths but with their hands, eyes and bodies. How to move, how to climb, what textures are pleasing or should be avoided. Exploring their environment is key to their development and we are here to help support that in assisting in those explorations in a safe and secure manner. The concepts of "sharing" and "kind hands" are new to Wobblers- allowing them to learn first and foremost about emotions and empathy. They learn what makes them joyful and what makes them sad and when socializing we support them through learning and recognizing these emotions in others. There is very light structure in this classroom to assist them in a routine for naps and day to day activities.
Toddler Classroom (Group size of 10, Ratio 1:5)
Toddlers begin to develop a new awareness of themselves as separate, unique beings. This is a wondrous, but often frustrating time of life because they understand their actions and words but are not yet able to just do whatever they would like. Aggression, such as pushing, hitting, fit throwing, and biting is somewhat common but it is typically outgrown as the toddler matures and gains speech as well as other techniques for conflict resolution and coping. In the toddler program we use words that acknowledge this frustration rather than judge the child or the behavior. Because they do not yet have the self-control to “obey” and do whatever is expected of them always, the adults, instead of disciplining, supervise and offer constructive, alternative, activities that allow for the child to express himself in a more productive manner. Toddlers are always learning new limits in their environment both at home and at school and begin to grow in intelligence and have bigger emotions. Some of them may also begin to want to do the same things their parents do- cooking, cleaning and being just like their every day role models both in the classroom and at home. It is a very special age indeed.
Preschool Classrooms (Group size of 15, Ratio 1:10)
The 3 to 5-year-old child possesses an extraordinary ability to absorb information from his or her surroundings, they have a "the absorbent mind." Preschoolers use all their senses when they explore their environment, readily picking up language and culture. The motto for this age group: "help me to do it myself." Development during this period focuses on learning to be independent. Their environment will support this natural drive, enabling the child to become competent and confident. Our approach embraces the full development of the youngster, addressing all aspects (physical, social, emotional, and cognitive) of the child- preparing them both for the world and their first steps into the educational system.