Typical activities in an infant's day
Fine Motor Development
• Turning, grasping, rubbing, crumbling, smashing, squeezing
Gross Motor Development
• Crawling, climbing, pushing/pulling toys, rolling, clapping, building, stacking
Language Development
• Caregivers will foster language development in infants by talking to, reading to, speaking precisely and acuratley to, and using repetitious words in the interaction with them
Music and Movement
• Singing, Listening, moving, clapping to music; Simple Action Songs that also develop gross and fine motor skills
Feeding time
• One on one time with the caregiver
• Learning table skills; food textures; hand to mouth skills
Diapering Time
• Routinely every two hours; more often if needed, or immediately after a bowel movement.
• One on one bonding time with with caregivers; repetitious words for language development
Nap Time
• Fosters a rejuvenating time for growth;
• Caregiver offers soothing music, reassuring, holding, back rubbing or patting
Interpretive Development
• Caregiver interprets each individual child's cries, expressions, physical demeanor, mood, and words, so as to provide the best care possible
Infant - Goals and objectives
The range of development for infants varies so much from 6 weeks to 18 months, the goals for infants cover a wide range. By the time the infant is ready to move to the toddler room, the following would normally be attained:
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Ability to follow simple one-step directions
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Have a basic vocabulary of at least a few simple nouns
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Be able to intermingle with other children in indoor and outdoor situations
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Drink all liquids from a cup, with less reliance on bottles or pacifiers.
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Have a marked increase in gross motor skills such as :
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jumping in place, walking steadily on a path, alternating use of arms and legs, imitating simple body movements in a group
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Have some control of fine motor skills such as holding a crayon
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Be able to focus attention on one activity for 2 to 4 minutes
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Begin to verbally express needs and wants
For the young child, learning comes from a natural interaction with the environment as well as from observing others. Attention to quality and beauty are essential in attracting the child to the activities in the classroom. The young child is curious. A neat, attractive, enjoyable, organized and child-centered environment enables the child to fully experience and explore the world around him. From this environment comes concentration, a clear and peaceful mind, a profound sense of security and positive living habits. As they will be primarily in a situation of being cared for, more than being in a participatory situation, our primary goal is to provide each infant with the best individualized care in a clean, safe, and nurturing environment.