Programs for Infants & Toddlers Chapter 29 Programs for Infants & Toddlers

Infant Toddler Environment Diapering Area: located near sink Feeding Area: Usually located near entrance to the center Play Area: Should have low dividers and short pile carpeting Receiving Area: Should contain a bulletin board and lockers or hooks. Sleeping Area: Should be near the diapering area

Stranger Anxiety Usually between 7-9 months of age, infants will begin showing fears of strangers When a child experiences this, it is important to gradually introduce objects and strangers

Separation Anxiety A sign that the child is learning and developing a close relationship with someone Usually takes place in months 9 -18 of a child's lifespan

Schedules / Routines Routines help children gain a sense of security Parents should provide you with a daily home report to allow for you to coordinate an appropriate home and center schedule Infant feeding will be handled several times through out the day and should be maintained on a schedule but often it is on demand

SIDS During nap time it is important to follow certain precautions to help reduce the chance of SIDS SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a death of a healthy infant due to unexplained causes. Help prevent SIDS, napping children should be on their back firm on the mattress… Only a light blanket covering them up to their chest should be in the crib.

Overfamiliarity Children lack interest in a particular toy Giving them the same toy day after day will make them bored Children like variety

Infant Curriculum Babies set their own goals and as their teacher you support this growth Physical activities: being fed, cuddled, held, bathed, rocked, diapered, and taken on walks. Nonverbal / Verbal Communication: being sung to, talked to and listened to. Curriculum should include: Lots of materials, activities and time for exploring and building fine- and gross- motor skills.

Toddler Curriculum Requires more planning Much of their day is surrounded by activities that promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. Activities are often divided into small centers Art -Gross-motor Sensory -Music Fine-motor -Language

Activities / Centers Art: promotes small muscle development / should encourage freedom and creativity Finger painting : tempera pain, shaving cream, and colored liquid soap can be used Sensory: promotes the use of the children’s senses Fine-Motor: Stacking toys, building blocks, sorting boxes, puzzles, stringing beads, and play dough. It promotes problem-solving opportunities

Activities / Centers Continued… Gross-Motor: can involve indoor equipment, outdoor equipment, or simple movement. (crawling, walking, running) Music: Can be soothing for the child or promote dancing Language: encourage at all times (children need to be encouraged to speak/ respond / mimic your speech patterns Puppets, unbreakable mirrors, books, pictures, posters, and dolls can all be placed on shelves in the language area. (The children should be able to access these freely without help or harm to them.)

Infant-Toddler Center Illness Policy