As a parent, finding safe, nurturing care for your child is essential. Trusting your infant or toddler to another person can be difficult. Babies and toddlers need to be loved, comforted, and nurtured throughout the day. It’s essential to find a learning center with loving carers.
But infants and toddlers also need an enriching environment. They need early childhood education programs that offer a developmentally appropriate learning environment.
So, where can parents find a learning center that balances care and education?
At New Horizons, we know that it’s important to find an early learning center that can provide the best, most enriching care available. Our dedicated teachers and staff create high-quality early education programs. We do more than just provide child care. Our programs can help your infant or toddler learn and grow at every stage of their development.
Reach out to our incredible team now to learn about our Palm Harbor early education programs. You may also schedule a tour or ask questions.
What to Look For in an Early Learning Center for Infants and Toddlers in Palm Harbor
Research shows that children’s brains develop the most between birth and five years old. From the moment babies are born, they are gathering information about the world.
Finding a learning center that provides nurturing infant and toddler programs is important. Safe, enriching programs can help even the youngest learners grow and develop.
Here are some things to look for in a good early learning center for infants and toddlers in Palm Harbor.
A soothing environment
Loud, noisy environments can overwhelm babies and young toddlers. Bright lighting, cluttered spaces, and loud music may be stressful.
Look for a peaceful room. Natural lighting, organized spaces, and less extra noise can create a soothing environment. Staff should use gentle voices and avoid loud, noisy toys or music in the classroom.
A soothing environment can help babies feel more comfortable and calm throughout the day.
Separate areas
An infant room is usually a very busy place. Babies and toddlers play, sleep, eat, and require diaper changes throughout the day.
A safe infant and toddler program will provide separate areas for all of the children’s activities. There should be a clean, well-organized area for toileting and diaper changes. There must also be a separate area for preparing food and eating. The play area should be well-organized and spacious enough for all children to have room to move around. There should also be a quiet area for naps.
Safe environment
Safety is one of the most important aspects of infant and toddler care. Babies and very young children are curious. They must be safe to explore the room.
Safety features to watch for include:
- Outlet covers
- Door and cabinet locks
- Toilet lid locks
- Furniture like cabinets and bookshelves are bolted to the wall
Staff training and education are essential, too. Make sure the staff has training in CPR, first aid, safe food preparation, and infectious disease control. The center should display its license and policies.
Developmentally appropriate materials
Classroom materials should be safe, simple, and engaging. Infants and toddlers develop problem-solving skills by playing with open-ended toys. Open-ended toys are toys that require input and imagination. Some examples include:
- Balls
- Stacking cups
- Shovels and pails
- Spinning tops
- Shape sorters
Toys and classroom materials should have a wide variety of textures, sizes, and shapes. Toys, books, and furnishings should be clean and in good condition.
Outdoor play space
Research shows that outdoor play is essential during early childhood. Outdoor play engages children’s senses. It can also help kids develop physical strength and coordination.
Older toddlers should have access to a safe, engaging outdoor play space. Outdoor areas for younger children should be separate from areas that older children use. Play spaces can include safe equipment, such as:
- Small slides
- Toddler-safe swings
- Mud kitchens
- Sandboxes
Very young toddlers and infants may enjoy time outside in different ways. Staff may take babies outside for walks or find other safe ways to be outdoors.
Personal touches
Infant and toddler rooms should have personal touches, such as photos of the children’s family members or pets. Incorporating comforting elements from home can help babies and toddlers feel more comfortable at school. It also shows that the staff know the children in their care well.
Visit a learning center and look for these signs of quality. Ask questions, meet the staff, and learn about what a typical day might be like. The more you know about a learning center, the more comfortable and confident you will feel.
Find an Early Learning Center in Palm Harbor, FL
At New Horizons, we understand how important a child’s first years are. We design our infant and toddler programs to meet children’s needs while giving them all the love, care, and attention they need to flourish.
Contact us now to learn about our programs. You may also ask questions or schedule a tour.
