Infant
- RIE/Pickler methodology promotes respectful and meaningful communication between infants and teachers
- Classroom environment free from high chairs, swings, etc.- infants are encouraged to move, explore, and discover in a classroom space that supports the curiosity of the child
- Teachers interact with children at their level, not from above
- Children are “active participants” in their day- teachers respond to cues given by the infant, which facilitates active communication
- Introduction to basic sign language as a means to communicate needs and wants
- Older infants eat snacks and meals at a table, developing motor skills and learning appropriate social interactions
- Climbing equipment of varied sizes and textures facilitates infants desire to climb and explore
- Teachers create lesson plans based on perceived interests of the children in order to incorporate literacy, music, art, dramatic play, sensory experiences, motor development, and science/nature experiences in the classroom on a weekly basis
- Confidence and security is maximized by children being in the same classroom with the same teachers longer before moving into the next program
- Unique manipulatives and playthings enhance the development of sensory awareness, fine motor, and gross motor skills
- Daily routines facilitate social/emotional security through the creation of a predictable classroom environment, centered around the interests and involvement of the child
- Children’s work is documented through the use of Portfolios for every child, curriculum journals, classroom voicemail snapshots, project boards, and more
“It
has been the best thing we could have done for (our kids). It is a great
feeling when working 40-50-60 hours a week and you don’t have a single
worry about your kids!” -Emily, Preschool Parent