1. Programs for Infants & Toddlers
Chapter 29
Programs for Infants & Toddlers

2. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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.

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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.)

15. Infant-Toddler Center Illness Policy