There is no question that parents want what is best for their children. When searching for infants and toddlers programs in Pinellas County, you are sure to find many care options. It can seem overwhelming to decide which one is right for you.
At New Horizons, our dedicated staff provides so much more than daycare. Our early childhood programs provide nurturing care and enrichment for children of all ages. While many child care centers offer safe care, we take early learning a step further by focusing on school readiness at every stage of childhood.
This guide will help you understand what to expect from our infant and toddler care programs in Pinellas County. You will also learn about our unique, nurturing programs and how they can support your child’s development.
Contact the incredible educators at New Horizons now to learn about our programs or schedule a tour. We look forward to getting to know you and your family!
What to Expect at Our Infant and Toddler Programs in Pinellas County
New Horizons has been serving families in our community for over 40 years. Our teachers create enriching programs that give children the care and tools they need to thrive in Kindergarten and beyond.
Here are some of the things that set New Horizons apart.
Consistency
Our incredible infant and toddler programs are the perfect foundation for a healthy, happy childhood. Our dedicated educators and staff get to know babies and their families well. These relationships can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved–especially infants and toddlers.
Because New Horizons offers early learning programs from birth to elementary school, parents can rest assured that their child will have a nurturing place for care throughout their childhood. Instead of searching for a new center, children can remain in a familiar location with the staff they know and trust.
Play-based care
Children are born to move, explore, and play. Babies and toddlers need room to grow, an enriching environment, and plenty of sensory experiences. At New Horizons, we provide safe, exciting spaces for our youngest learners.
Our educated, experienced teachers create developmentally appropriate learning experiences, including:
- Music
- Art
- Pre-math skills
- Nature
- Language development
- Dramatic play
They follow a predictable daily schedule to ensure your child feels safe, nurtured, and secure in our care.
An enriching environment
Our learning center is clean, safe, and comfortable. Our bright, welcoming center sits on a shady property. This allows our children to enjoy outdoor activities and fresh air every day.
Our classrooms are well-stocked with age-appropriate toys, furniture, and other materials. You will find bright, clean spaces with plenty of room for play, sleep, meals, and more.
Small class sizes
New Horizons keeps class sizes small, with no more than 15 students in each class. Small class sizes means teachers can focus on each child’s needs.
Our small class sizes and beautiful learning center are essential to our students’ success and happiness. At New Horizons, kids don’t just receive care–they are given the chance to blossom.
Infant and Toddler Care: A Daily Schedule
The predictable daily schedule of our infant and toddler care programs can help very young children feel safe and secure. Here are some of the activities we do every day to help our littlest learners thrive at New Horizons.
Sensory activities
Sensory activities can engage young children’s senses and help them make vital connections. At New Horizons, we use sensory play in our infant and toddler programs each day, including:
- Water play
- Books and toys with a wide range of textures
- Coloring, finger painting, play dough, and other sensory art experiences
Sensory play can help children develop motor skills, boost language, and help sustain attention. Plus, it is a lot of fun!
Language development
Our infant and toddler educators use a lot of fun, engaging techniques to introduce language skills in the classroom. These include:
- Nursery rhymes
- Naming people, animals, and toys
- Flannel stories
- Picture books
- Simple songs
Teachers communicate with babies and toddlers using simple directions and clear speech. This can help children understand, connect, and develop critical language skills.
Outdoor play
At New Horizons, we use our outdoor play space as an extension of our classrooms.
Our enriching, shady play area is second to none. Our little learners love spending time outdoors enjoying nature’s sights, sounds, and smells.
Fine motor play
We provide plenty of opportunities for babies and toddlers to develop their little hand muscles throughout the day. Our classrooms have developmentally appropriate materials that encourage fine motor skills, such as stacking and sorting toys.
Large motor play
Our infant and toddler classrooms have child-size furniture, balls, and soft play areas that encourage lots of large motor activity. We design our programs and spaces to encourage safe exploration and plenty of movement throughout the day.
Music
Our infant and toddler programs incorporate singing, dancing, and movement to music into the daily schedule. These activities are a lot of fun but also help children develop critical skills like balance, rhythm, and language.
If you are looking for nurturing toddler or infant care in Pinellas County, contact the New Horizons team to learn about our programs. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon!
