Infants
The IC3 Main Campus has a total of three infant classrooms. Each classroom employs a co-teaching team consisting of two full time teachers and a part time teacher assistant, creating a staffing pattern that ensures that a knowledgeable and qualified teacher is present throughout your baby’s day. For the first year or more, infant classrooms enroll at a group size of 6 maintaining a 1:3 adult to child ratio, lower than the New York State mandate. Having a smaller group of babies allows us to better meet your baby’s individual needs and provides a developmentally appropriate and stimulating environment.
Primary Care Giving & Continuity of Care
At IC3, the goal of our infant program is to nurture and care for your baby while developing a trusting relationship with him/her and the family. Upon enrollment, we assign each baby and family a teacher who acts as the primary caregiver. We use a primary caregiver model so that your baby feels connected to someone familiar and his/her physical and emotional needs are consistently being met.
To enhance your baby’s attachment, we offer continuity of care in all of our infant and toddler classrooms at our main campus. Continuity of Care is a program model where babies and caregivers maintain their relationships from the day they enroll to approximately three years of age. Through the use of primary care giving and continuity of care, a personal, trusting relationship develops between each infant and teacher that is enhanced by good parent/teacher communication.
Child-Centered and On-Demand Care
We use an individualized approach in our infant program. Our teacher’s set up the environment, offer sensory experiences and plan your baby’s day based on his/her social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in accordance with our learning philosophy. We respond to your young infant’s needs as they arise. Teachers meet your baby’s individual need for eating, sleeping, and diapering on demand based on the written and verbal information and instructions you provide and their own understanding and knowledge of your baby’s needs. Our teachers work with mothers who are nursing to help promote breast feeding. Our infant program has an open door policy, family members are encouraged to visit and participate in the care of their baby.
When working with young children the whole child is considered. You, the parent, are an important part of that whole. You are their first teacher. The teachers see your child in a social setting – how he or she interacts with peers and other adults. You know your child’s home life setting, fears, joys, important events and your own values. We encourage a mutual sharing of information for the benefit of everyone concerned.
Daily Communication
Communication is a key piece in the relationship between teachers and families. We feel that verbal communication is the most important method of communicating and we encourage you to talk with us each day about your child. Also, each baby has a chart that acts as a written dialogue between teachers and families. The chart documents feedings, diaper changes, naps, activities explored, and general mood. In addition to daily forms of communication, we also offer parent/teacher conferences. Finally, we encourage you to spend time in your child’s classroom. Our partnership with you is paramount to creating a positive infant experience for your baby.
Developmental Goals
Emotional: Development of trust is a primary goal of this age group. The teachers develop personal relationships with the children in their care. They strive to provide an environment where babies can bond with their teachers and form trusting relationships. Each child has his/her own comfort level and style of attachment, and the teachers provide an emotional support for each child on their own terms.
Social: Your child’s needs are met on an individual basis. Opportunities are provided for social interactions with other infants, toddlers, siblings, and adults throughout the day.
Cognitive: Cognitive development is encouraged through a stimulating environment including many different experiences that encompass the senses. Appropriate activities, materials, and equipment are made available, as your baby appears developmentally ready.
Physical:Your infant is given the opportunity to explore the environment within safe limits. As your child develops physically, new equipment, including climbers, pull and push toys, large foam blocks, and riding toys are introduced for large motor skills.
Visit our FAQs page to learn more about IC3’s programs.
