The infant class is made up of 12 children ages 3 – 18 months, 3 full-time teachers and 1 part-time teacher. The teacher/student ratio in the infant class will not exceed 1:4 and will be 1:3 for a substantial portion of the day.
In addition to the classroom educators, the Infant/Toddler Team Leader will support the infant and toddler classes. The team leader will spend time in the classrooms with children, act as a mentor and guide for teachers, monitor quality of care and collaborate with teachers during planning and documentation.
The infant class welcomes the youngest child with a warm, nurturing and loving environment and professional educators dedicated to the care, growth and development of each child. Developing trusting relationships and secure attachments is one of the most important elements of the infant program. When babies feel safe and secure they will thrive under positive interactions with caregivers and parents and will be more engaged in experiences planned by the educators designed to promote stimulation, curiosity and wonder as they explore each new situation.
It is the school’s general policy to move children up to the next class as a group with at least one of the educators at the beginning of a school year. As much as possible we utilize “looping” in which a group of children and educators remain together for two or more consecutive years. We believe that this process promotes strong relationships and a strong sense of community in each classroom. However, we also take into consideration each child’s individual needs and development. While the age range of the infant and toddler classes is a guide for placement, adjustments may be made when they are in the best interest of the child and the school community.