Programs
Infants & Toddlers
When you need child care for your infant or toddler, you want to know that their needs will be met in a loving, caring and safe way. At Saint Andrew’s Children’s Center, we do just that.
Our infant and toddler staff pledge to
- Welcome you and your child with respect and understanding
- Create a warm and nurturing environment that helps to instill a basic sense of trust in your child
- Foster an environment that promotes cognitive, language and social-emotional development
- Share with you the excitement of your child’s development
- Value the relationship we share with you, your child and your family
Infant Program (6 weeks to 18 months)
Our caregivers are specially trained to create an individualized environment that is warm and nurturing. They know that the quality of care a child receives in the first years of life has a direct impact on emotional and cognitive skills that last a lifetime.
Children from 6 weeks to 12 months receive individualized care with a primary caregiver. Parents work with their child’s primary caregiver to develop a daily schedule that best fits their child’s needs. Babies follow their own feeding, sleeping and activity schedules, based on their individual needs, temperament and routine at home.
As babies approach their first birthday they move toward a group care schedule, with several children eating together and napping at the same time.
We recognize how important the bond between parent and baby is. Mothers are welcome to visit their baby as often as they like, and our private lactation room is available for nursing mothers. Parents receive daily written reports and pictures through the HiMama app, covering diapering, eating and how the day went, and are encouraged to talk with caregivers at drop-off and pick-up.
Toddler Program (from 18 months)
Toddlers’ individual needs are respected as they ease into group activities. We always meet, and typically exceed, the state-regulated ratio of 1 caregiver to 6 toddlers. Each child’s primary caregiver fills out a daily report and shares it with you.
Teachers use a modified HighScope curriculum that is developmentally appropriate. Our goal is for each toddler to feel safe and secure so they can develop independence and social competence. Toddlers are encouraged to explore safely and develop their curiosity, and sensory and motor skills grow through age-appropriate toys in a stimulating environment.
Most children move to a two-year-old classroom when they reach 24 months; the timing depends on space availability and parents’ wishes. When a child seems ready for toilet training, teachers and parents work together as a team.
Our infant and toddler teachers
- Are specifically trained to work as primary caregivers for babies and toddlers
- Care for 4 children per infant classroom and 6 children per toddler classroom
- Are supportive of breastfeeding mothers
- Are certified in CPR, First Aid and disaster preparedness
- Are trained in baby sign language
- Are fully qualified teachers under California Title 22, most with B.A. or A.A. degrees
- Are trained in the Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) by WestEd
- Are trained in universal precautions, sanitizing classrooms and medication administration
- Complete at least two days of specialized training each year
- Work alongside management staff in the classrooms, with music educators leading weekly music sessions
Come see us
The best way to get to know Saint Andrew’s is to visit. Book a personal tour of our campus, or call us at (949) 651-0198.