Our nursery is designed to accommodate 20 infants from 6 weeks old to 12 months old. We have 3 sections and the infants are separated by development – newborns, mobile infants, and Pretoddler/walkers. The designated adult/child ratio in Pennsylvania for infants is 1:4.
Individualized Schedules…
In order to maintain consistency for your child, parents are asked to provide information on their child’s specific daily routine. Our caregivers will use this information to customize a personal schedule that will incorporate your child’s needs and planned activities from our PA State Standards based curriculum.
Daily Information & Communication…
Daily Grams will be completed and ready to be taken home at the end of the day. They will let you know when and what your child ate, when he/she slept, and when their diaper was changed. Notes on your child’s health, disposition, and other special things that were done during the day will also be recorded. We will also write reminders on your Daily Gram, and let you know when you may need to bring something in for your child. Other information may be posted in the nursery, or placed in your child’s cubby, such as schedules and newsletters.
Needed Items…
At Tender Years, we feel that it is very important for your child to experience the comforts of home while they spend the day with us. Therefore, we ask that the parents provide certain items from home:
- Bottles should be brought in fresh every day and ready to feed. Please prepare only as many bottles as your child will need that day. Bottles can be placed in the refrigerator in their designated spot. Each child will have a labeled area in the refrigerator just for his/her items.
- Food & snacks may be stored in your child’s bin (located above the counter). The teachers will let you know when you may need to replenish the supply. Unopened jars of baby food may be kept in this bin as well. All other food items such as bottles of formula/milk, cups of juice, and food for breakfast & lunch should be brought in daily.
- Diapers, wipes, ointment/powder, and other diapering items can be brought in bulk and stored in the cupboards under our counter. We will let you know when our supply is getting low. (You will be asked to sign a permission slip that allows us to apply ointments and powder.)
- Extra clothes should be kept in your child’s cubby. Please remember socks! Babies grow quickly, so we will let you know when to replace these items. They should also be checked periodically to assure that they are appropriate for the season. It is also a good idea to provide sunscreen (6 months and up) and/or protective clothing for when we go outside.
- Bedding for the crib should include a crib sheet and a receiving blanket. An extra set should be kept in your child’s cubby in case the bedding gets soiled. Bedding will be sent home at the end of the week for laundering, and when it is soiled. You may also send in a mobile, music box, or other attachable crib toy if you wish. Any other personal item from home (stuffed animal, pacifier, etc.) that is age appropriate will be kept inside the crib as well.
Visiting…
We have an open door policy here at Tender Years. You are welcome to come in and visit your baby any time you would like. We do ask that you be considerate of the other babies in the room that may be sleeping, or startle easily. Please turn off cell phones, and keep your voice low. Also, please remember to place your purse or other personal items out of the reach of curious little hands! In addition, we also have a shoe-free nursery to help provide the cleanest possible environment for infants who spend a good bit of time exploring on the floor!
Progress Observations…
Regular observations for developmental milestones are tracked by our caregivers. All children progress at an individual rate. At this young age, our teachers do not evaluate progress, but rather observe and note when a particular achievement is accomplished. The information that is gathered is used to help us create and plan our curriculum. We also offer regular parent teacher conferences through out the year.