Infants & toddlers
Infants
The infant’s day is governed by parent preferences regarding feeding and sleeping schedules, as well as by the child’s own individual patterns. NPS supports nursing mothers and tries to provide a comfortable place for feeding. When the babies are awake, they are held, talked to and played with, taken on walks, and allowed to watch older children. The staff is also trained to recognize the basic care routines of diapering and feeding as prime interactive time for infants. As they grow and change, children are encouraged to explore appropriate toys, books, and other materials.
Our teachers are experienced and, in each of our three programs, at least one holds a degree in early childhood education.
In the Infants & Toddlers program, our ratio of teachers to children is 1:3.
Toddlers
Toddler programs are designed to recognize the short attention span of children between one and three years old, and to allow considerable flexibility. A typical day’s basic pattern includes:
Self-directed play with a variety of materials
More structured exploration: water play, play dough, a child-centered simple project
Group time: a song, conversation or book
Snack time
Outdoor time in the playground, or a walk
Lunch (group time)
Nap time
Transition upon waking: rocking, a book, etc.
Outdoor time and/or independent play; possible visit to or from a preschool group
Afternoon snack (group time)
Table toys for small motor skills, story, focus on close relationships and “unwinding” time until parent arrives
Toilet training is not a prerequisite for entry into any program. Our staff is trained to handle diapering and toileting children in a relaxed and friendly way, while observing strict hygienic procedures.