Infant Age
Throughout the first year, infants grow amazingly fast:
By 4th month they would: weigh 10-18 lbs, grow to 23-27 inches, lift their head, follow a moving object with eyes, grasp rattle or finger, roll over and could sit with support;
By 8th month they would: weight 14-23 lbs, grow to 25-30 inches, sit without a support, pick-up and transfer object from hand to hand;
By 12th month they would: weight 17-27 lbs, grow to 27-32 inches, pull him/herself to a sitting position, crawl well, stand alone/walk with adult help and enjoy discovering the world around them.
Each infant is born with his or her own unique temperament and it will set the stage for social-emotional development. We place the highest priority to the physical needs of the infant, with careful attention given to hygiene.
Toddler 1 Age (1-2 years)
Toddlers play best alone, by themselves, they have very short attention spans, and like to independently choose their own activity. They learn by repetition and by experimenting – trying out everything. They are still developing their basic body movements, so they must have an opportunity to practice and be sure of their balance. They are fast-growing and ever-changing.
These children can’t explain their needs verbally, so when they need something, they just take it. The teacher is constantly observing the toddlers in order to prevent problems.
They’ve just started to walk – they are wobbly and fall down a lot, which can be frustrating for a child.
They just started to use a spoon and feed themselves – what a joyful mess they create!
They experience fears such as being in the dark, hearing loud thunder or siren, changes in routine, and separation from family.
Toddler 2 Age (2-3 years)
Children this age like to play alone, have very short interest spans, and need freedom to choose their own activity. They learn by repetition and experimentation. They learn to handle their bodies – so there must be place to practice their balance. They must learn about space and their relation to space. They are fast-growing and ever-changing.
Most kids are ready for the Big Step: potty-training. We do not force any children to use the toilet – we only encourage. Our goal (along with the parents) is to have the child fully potty-trained by the time they turn 3, so they can start preschool.
A big part of toddler learning is acquiring social skills – getting along with others in a group setting. Some typical behavior for this age include: trouble separating from parents, fighting over toys, and acts of aggression such as pushing, hitting, or biting when tired, frustrated or overly stimulated. We will help you and your child work through these problems. Please remember that these are age-related, temporary behaviors that with appropriate guidance will be resolved.
Preschool Age (3-5 years)
As children grow, their interest spans increase as well. They are able now to concentrate more, follow directions better and stay focused longer. They acquire knowledge about the physical and social worlds in which they live by playful interaction with objects and people. Children want to make sense of their world.
By the time children are four years old, they are able to share with each other; they like to build and make things – they are able to make objects and name them. Dramatic play is more enjoyable now that they can divide roles and play together. Children are imaginative, creative and experimental – and they bloom when given opportunities to use these qualities.
Our major goal for the program for 3 & 4 year-olds is to build a security for the child. When children feel secure, they become more independent, which lead them to explore the world around them and develop more life skills. Our teachers encourage independence and responsibility, while at the same time being available to them for help.
Schoolage Age (6-12 years)
The school-age child’s physical development begins to slow down; he or she will grow two to three inches per year. Fine and large motor skills are steadily improving; they begin to think more logically and can process and recall information more readily; their memory improves, as well as their language and grammar skills.
Friendships are very important at this age. They develop feelings of empathy and compassion. Their self-esteem is affected by their self-concept. They need to participate in activities that will help them master their skills; they need to have opportunities to work in groups.