Infants
Our infant programs provides a warm, welcoming environment where your baby can grow from a bundle of joy to a bundle of curiosity. Your baby’s primary caregiver is a nurturing child development professional who is focused on creating experiences and opportunities that invite exploration and support the rapid and important development that is occurring in a child’s first year.
We are focused on keeping your baby happy, engaged, and secure. We personalize care for each infant based on his or her unique schedule, nutritional guidelines, and any other special attention he/she requires.
Warm and nurturing interactions with caregivers, individualized attention and experiences, and meaningful partnerships with parents are the cornerstones of our program.
Literacy & Language
From their very first cries, coos, and babbles, infants learn to use language to connect with their world, to develop relationships, and to get what they need. We encourage these skills through everyday experiences such as: Singing lullabies and songs. Naming objects. Engaging in daily conversations. Exploring picture books. Playing rhyming and word games.
Creativity
Exposure to the arts ensures babies are immersed in rich and diverse experiences that capture their interest, nurture their development, and excite their senses. Our infant teachers guide children to explore their creative side and to appreciate the beauty of the art world by: Painting with large brushes, sponges, and fingers. Using rattles and musical instruments. Dancing and moving to varied beats, music, and tempos. Playing with puppets and dolls. Reading vivid picture books.
Wellness
Babies are exposed to healthy habits and routines to help them build a foundation for lifelong health. Your baby will have the opportunity to: Enjoy physical activities both indoors and outdoors, in very safe environments designed specifically for infants. Identify and communicate his/her hunger needs. Become receptive to a variety of flavors and textures when he/she is ready for solid foods Participate in routine health care when he/she is diapered and assisted with hand washing.
Science
Science to infants is not found in elaborate experiments, but rather in real world and everyday moments as they move through their environment, manipulate objects, and explore with all their senses. Our infant teachers help curious babies begin the process of discovery by: Providing a sensory-rich environment that encourages exploration in a safe way. Experimenting with volume by filling and dumping buckets filled with toys. Using safe toys and materials with varied textures, smells, tastes and sounds. Playing peek-a-boo. Exploring nature in safe, outdoor environments.
Our World
Our World Although they are our youngest citizens, infants can begin to understand the basic concepts that provide a foundation for becoming a happy, contributing member of society. Our infant teachers encourage a baby’s exploration of the world around us by: Looking at family albums made by parents and teachers. Setting up safe spaces that encourage play near peers. Showing affection and compassion every day Engaging in imaginative, caring play such as rocking a doll.
Math
Although it might seem surprising, mathematical concepts are indeed a part of an infant’s early learning – from staring at the geometric shapes of a toy to exploring the space around her. Our math play provides appropriate materials and activities that promote the development of early mathematical understanding. Some of the things your baby will have the opportunity to learn include: Recognizing words that describe positions such as “up” or “under”. Becoming aware of space and variations in it. Understanding quantity concepts like “more”. Repeating an action to make the same thing happen again. Making choices from a group of items.
Below you will find information as well as a list of items that are helpful in preparing for your first day at the center.
Infant Program
- Registration forms to be completed and handed in prior to your first day
- Deposit which will be applied to your fees.
- Blanket & crib sheet – (labelled)
- Disposable Diapers or pull-ups and wipes (labelled) Please send a large supply.
- We diaper as needed as well as follow a schedule
- Suitable play clothes (we do lots of fun and messy stuff so please dress your child in clothing that can get stained and dirty)
- Please send a couple of extra sets of clothing (labelled)
- Shoes for indoor use (labelled)
- Food and all containers within lunch bag (labelled)
- Food should be sent in small microwavable containers
- Food must be sent prepared the way that it is to be served to your child (i.e. cut up in small pieces)
- Bottles must be sent prepared ready to heat and service. We warm the bottles in a bottle warmer. We suggest 4 oz bottles as we cannot reheat formula.
- Outdoor play is a large part of our program in all seasons, weather permitting.
- Appropriate outdoor clothing is important:
- Winter – Warm jacket, ski pants, warm winter boots, hat, 2 pairs of mitts (not stretchy gloves), and face/neck protection (not scarves with long tails)
- Summer – Rubber boots (if rain is expected), sun hats, water play clothes & towel, jacket
- Spring & Fall – Rubber boots (if rain is expected) or winter boots (If snow present or expected), hat (sun or winter), warm jacket for outside play, outdoor pants (splash pants) mitts, and face and neck protection.
We thank you for choosing our center and look forward to partnering with you to assist in raising your child.
Baby Sign Language →
Biting →
Trust Me Trust My Tummy →
WRHA →
Nutrition, Recipes, Food →
Health Canada →
Fearless Feeding – How to Raise Healthy Eaters →
St. James Assiniboia Parent Coalition →
