New England Country Day School

Infants Program

Infancy is a critical time of development in a child's life. It is the time when a child develops a sense of autonomy - the sense of being a separate, independent self - that comes from being treated as an important individual and being allowed increasing opportunities for independence. Trust, attachments, self worth, dependency, independence and many other emotions are now rooted more so than in any other stage of development. Our Infant Program offers optimum opportunities for growth and development.

From birth, babies are marvelous learners, investigating the sights and sounds and feel of the world. Infants in our program are provided with a safe, warm environment rich with opportunities to actively enjoy and explore. They are exposed to music, books, and toys designed for their developmental levels. Activities to stimulate their senses: talking, singing, walks outdoors and playing with each infant one to one. The environment encourages opportunities for self initiated motor behavior such as reaching, grasping, rolling, sitting, creeping, pulling up and eventually walking. Teachers devote a great deal of time interacting and playing with each baby, holding, cuddling, maintaining frequent eye contact, listening and responding to their vocalizations and words. Daily pleasurable interactions between teachers and infants encourage the infant's language to gradually develop.

The philosophy of the Infant Program is based on the interrelation of teachers, parents, and program in ways that are supportive to the parents and nurturing for the children. The consistency maintained between the staff and parents offers the parents the opportunity to influence the kind of care their infant receives. Teachers facilitate a team approach with the parents gathering information about the child preparing an individualized routine, maintaining sound verbal communication with parents on a daily basis, and charting the child's day at the school. The teachers care for each infant in a professional and nurturing manner. Each child's physical and emotional needs are met. Teachers respond to each infant's cues caring for him in a warm, affectionate manner that lets each infant know he is special. Primarily each infant will feel loved, secure and happy.