Infant
Ages 8 weeks – 15 months
Our infant program consists of a peaceful, loving environment where the child can explore and feel secure. Each child in our care is an individual to be nurtured with affection and respect. As is customary for Montessori environments, every detail of our infant program is selected with the child’s whole development in mind.
The infant program welcomes children as young as 8 weeks of age. Caregivers speak in gentle tones, the daily pace is unhurried, and the atmosphere is understated and homelike. Our prepared environments have developmentally appropriate material and activities that support the child through each stage of growth. We provide a variety of environments where infants can explore based on their curiosity and mobility, not just their age.
In addition to the nurturing environment, our infant guides are gentle caregivers with a passion for Montessori. The ratio of children to adults is never more than four to one, which is a step above many schools, and it meets the standard set forth by the State of Michigan.
A brief introduction to some of the basic Montessori principles introduced at this age range:
Practical Life: Including helping infants to learn to drink from a bottle, progressing to a cup and then to eat unassisted.
Sensorial: Allowing infants to learn about the world and their environment through their senses, touching and grasping various objects. Additionally, infants are able to build their sense of body control and strengthen hand-eye coordination.
Language: Language activities and materials to encourage using words and working to develop vocabulary/conversational skills.
Art and Music: Using song and dance, infants have access to a variety of large muscle activities that provide opportunities to jump, climb, balance, or crawl.
Area of Focus
Health and Safety
Our top priority is making sure infants are healthy, safe and happy. Our team and the classroom environment is prepared with that in mind.
Parent Communication
Consistent and thorough communication, helping you stay informed and involved in your child’s care.
Daily Individual Lessons
Caregivers lead one-on-one lessons that focus on special developmental areas including cognitive, social, language, motor, sensory, and practical life.
Independence
The Montessori philosophy encourages exploration, self-awareness, and self-care.
Freedom of Movement and Social Interaction
Floortime, tummy time, and a variety of developmental materials encourage physical and cognitive development. Additionally, simply being in the presence of other infants sets the foundation for interpersonal connection.
Daily Individual Lessons
Caregivers lead one-on-one lessons that focus on special developmental areas including cognitive, social, language, motor, sensory, and practical life.