Child Educational Center
For infants and toddlers, the program focuses on four areas:
-self-esteem and personal awareness;
-communication skills;
-social skills; and
-physical development.
Self-awareness and positive self concept are fostered by the caregivers through close personal contact, communication with positive reinforcement, permitting freedom of activity, and respect for the child as an individual.
Communication skills are fostered through thoughtful speaking with the children during routine tasks and in stories, music, and the description of activities occurring in their presence.
Social development is largely a function of the babies' interaction with adults, however, their development is enhanced through physical contact, interaction in play, and structured group activities.
Physical development is the foundation upon which cognitive development is based. Responsive adults provide the most significant experience, but the environment and physical activities are structured to maximize development. Infants are supported and encouraged in their natural inclination for independent physical activity.
While the developmental issues for infants and toddlers are similar, certain differences are addressed in the toddler program. Toddlers are more mobile, more capable, and experiencing significant language development. Their program features a more challenging yard, with climbing structures and opportunities to take walks around the school. Group activities are begun featuring singing, playing musical instruments, playing movement games, and hearing stories. Because toddlers' attention spans are short and rapidly shifting, the program is highly flexible and individualized.
Children are placed in groups based on the following considerations:
-development (emotional, social, cognitive, physical),
-chronological age,
-peer relations, and
-available space.
Children generally remain with the same group until the following September, unless developmental considerations warrant other placement. The daily schedule provides for activities specifically geared to the similar developmental level of children in each classroom, as well as opportunities for children of different ages and developmental levels to interact, teach and learn from one another.
Child Educational Center, Caltech/Jpl Community is a licensed child care center in La Canada Flintridge, CA. We are a large center. Contact us to schedule a tour and discover for yourself all Child Educational Center, Caltech/Jpl Community has to offer.
