Classroom Information

The Learning Ladder offers a large infant space for our babies who are developing, learning and growing at an amazing rate. The Infant room is for babies 6 weeks to 16 months of age. The staff/child ratio is 1 to 4 (one staff member for every four infants).

Parent Communication

We use an Infant Communication Sheet, which is filled out and sent home daily. It shows bottles fed, solid foods, naps, diaper changes and supplies needed, and it includes a section for comments and observations.  We have hopes of implementing an app in the future that will allow for you as parents and us to communicate daily.

Cribs

Each infant is assigned his/her own crib. Crib sheets are provided by the Center and changed weekly unless they are soiled—where they are then changed immediately. The Learning Ladder implements Safe Sleep Practices to reduce the risk of SIDS. For this reason, infants are encouraged to sleep in their cribs, are placed only on their backs to sleep.

Supplies

We ask that each infant bring three bottles, formula (unless they are on breast milk), diapers, diaper ointment, pacifier, and an extra set of clothes. The Center provides rice cereal and pureed baby food (Gerber) when your baby is ready for the transition. For infants who are breastfeeding, please bring bottles filled and ready to feed in a small, cooler-type insulated bag.

Feeding

Infants are fed bottles as needed. As they age, solid foods are introduced as requested by parents. Babies will generally start with fruits and vegetables, Cheerios, crackers, etc. They are fed breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.

Diapering

Diapers are changed every two hours, or more often if needed. Parents are notified when diaper supplies run low.

Outside Time

Babies are taken on stroller and wagon rides, weather permitting. Older infants are taken out to the playground also.

The young infants are encouraged to have tummy time. They also have playtime under the floor gyms, in the “exer-saucers” and in the jumpers. We have bouncy seats and several swings to help soothe them when needed. We use music, books, soft blocks and a wide variety of toys for them to play and learn.

Our infant room is also filled with educational and age-appropriate toys and materials. They follow a weekly curriculum including the following areas:

  • Music & Movement/Story Time — Includes self-expression, songs, books, instruments and finger plays.
  • Art & Sensory — Includes simple art projects, coloring and many different items to help with sensory development.
  • Gross Motor Play — Includes activity walkers, pull-up bars, and push/pull toys.
  • Fine-Motor Play & Self – Help Skills Building—Includes stacking blocks, connecting toys, cooking projects and manipulative toys.
  • Play & Learn Time — There is scheduled time at the beginning and end of each day for the kids to explore the room and play with their favorite toys. This is a good time for them to develop language and
    • social skills.

Daily schedules are posted on the Parent Information Board.