The Value of Our Infants & Ones Programs
Taking care of our youngest learners, is not something we take lightly at York Avenue Day School. Our Infants and Ones programs were specifically designed to both care for the children’s physical needs in congruence with supporting, stimulating, and enhancing their rapidly developing skills.
Jamie Stetzer, our director and architect of the program answers several Frequently Asked Questions below.
What does school look like for our youngest learners (infants and ones)?
Children learn at all ages and at all times.
Care doesn’t overpower learning – it is part of learning.
Teachers model a sense of self and responsibility.
Our knowledgeable teachers and directors spend time with children, continuously observing and assessing each child’s development.
Children begin to socialize with one another through parallel play.
Children are exposed to variety of materials that are not readily available outside of a classroom setting.
How does the environment play a role in children’s learning?
Each classroom is specifically designed in a way that is difficult to replicate outside of a school including sensory walls, color-changing lights, and adjustable climbing structures.
The classroom environment changes in alignment with children’s developmental needs as do materials. For example, the sensory wall will become a sensory table or bin. The soft climbing blocks are swapped for more challenging hollow blocks and a wooden climbing structure.
What role do the teachers play in the classroom?
We hire educators, many with degrees in early childhood education, and a great deal of experience with infants and ones.
Our teachers understand the nuance of development particularly in children ages 6 months to 18 months. They are adept at planning and assessing based on this knowledge and experience.
Teachers attend specific professional development to enhance their expertise.
Lesson plans are written weekly, based on the interests and needs of children.
As children develop so rapidly at this age, teachers differentiate lessons and activities to meet the individual needs of each child.
Executive functioning and social emotional learning is a high priority and supported through targeted experiences and lessons.
Every interaction is a learning moment from feeding, to diaper changing, to putting children down for a nap. These are essential moments that build connection, model a back and forth (the foundation for conversational language), and cultivate trust.
Why should I enroll in an all-day program?
It fosters a classroom community that builds relationships and strengthens social skills.
Parents build relationships with teachers and directors and can utilize their expertise.
Teachers are able to get to know children deeply and plan specifically for the group and the individuals.
Children learn how to be in a group, forming attachments and separating from caregivers.
As they grow comfortable in a consistent and stable classroom, children are more likely to take risks and try new things.
Additionally, at York Avenue Day School, children can grow with us from infancy through Pre-Kindergarten. Not only do we provide guidance through the exmissions process for ongoing schools, but we offer a discounted rate for returning families in our Fours program. The continuity of care as children progress through each program, helps them to develop a strong sense of self, connection with community, and gives them a solid foundation as they enter their elementary schooling.