What a Quality Infant Program Looks Like

Infants develop so fast, and in a matter of months, they are already on their feet. Every interaction is recorded and forms a foundation for your child’s life. They might be born tabula rasa, but that doesn’t mean that they are slow learners. They will not tell you using words that they are uncomfortable, but they will somehow let you know.

Infancy development is a necessary process, and though there are many areas of concern, the right infant daycare can cater to your infant’s developmental needs.

In most cases, parents are afraid to admit that they are in over their heads when it comes to giving their infants the necessary care. You will learn in the next few minutes how you (parent) can partner with us (caregivers) to chatter a course for your baby.

But first, let’s get some definitions out of the way.

What is Infant development?

Infant development is a sequence of language, physical, emotional and thought changes that happen in your baby from a neonate to adulthood. If you were wondering who a neonate is, the correct neonate definition refers to a child who is not older than one month. A newborn child can be referred to as a neonate.

Many factors affect the developmental process like genes, the child’s environment and your baby’s learning capability.

Why is infant development important?

Monitoring your child’s developmental progress will help ensure that your baby hits the developmental “milestones”. These milestones are skills that are acquired by babies around the same time, but the time is not that exact. They are more or less guidelines that can help during the developmental process.

These milestones will help to know if your child is “on track”. They help to check if there any hiccups and treat them early. You can reduce the impact of such hiccups in your child’s later years.

How Should The Environment Look Like?

The environment is vital in shaping your baby. Whenever you visit a program, you need to know if it’s supportive and safe for your baby. Here are some of the things you ought to look for:

• Defined regions. The room should have separated areas which demarcate areas for playing, sleeping, changing diapers, and eating. In this way, the children remain clean and safe. The ones who are sleeping can also enjoy their naps without disturbances.
• Child-sized furniture. The furniture should be age-appropriate to create the room for your child to be independent.
• Personal feel. The room should have things that each baby can relate with or are familiar with, like your family photos.
• Secure open spaces. Firm surfaces, both outdoors and indoors, are essential for your child to move on without the help of a carrier. This will help your child strengthen their muscles.
• Tiny physical challenges. Exciting stuff can be placed slightly out of your child’s reach to push your baby to learn how to coordinate to reach them.
• A soothing environment. The room should be conducive for your child to feel relaxed because children get overwhelmed easily.

How Do Caregivers Carryout The Learning Process?

We, as caregivers have guidelines that we follow to aid in your baby’s learning. The programs are carefully formulated to help cater to your child’s specific needs. The plans are based on your child’s developmental stage and age.

There are four primary areas of your child’s development that we will focus on:

1. Physical development
   Babies enjoy moving, and these actions are important learning activities. As your baby learns to stand, walk or climb, we give more complicated toys for him to explore. This increases their development and encourages their independence. This is what is known as purposeful play.
2. Language development
   We will help your child learn new words and teach him or her how conversation works.
3. Cognitive (thinking) skills
   The natural curiosity that your baby has will be fundamental in shaping cognitive abilities. Your baby will learn through imitating adults cause and effect. This will enhance your child’s problem-solving skills.
4. Emotional and social development
   We are social beings, and our children are born with the desire to interact with others. They desire to interact with their caregivers, as well as other children. We will teach your baby how to take turns, share, and make friends.

At Lycee Montessori, we know that you, as the parent are the child’s first teacher. Our partnership with you will be fundamental in your child’s development.