Introduction

The Montessori School of Downtown has created the concept of "School of Infants." After years of research, marketing surveys emphasize the needs of young babies. Before opening our Infant Program ten (10) years ago, we conducted a marketing survey. Our marketing research found shocking statistics in which more than 85% of the parents were not happy with their present child care arrangements. Even more shocking was their major complaint revolved around the basic care of their infant (changing diapers, feeding, cleanliness, etc.) A nurturing and stimulating program was a distant dream. Our unique curriculum not only offers excellent basic care, but has several additional features which makes it an enriching and special program.

Meeting the Needs of the Parents

We try our level best to meet the special needs of the parents because we understand that every parent has certain views about the different aspects of child care and what is most beneficial to their child. Feel free to communicate your views and needs and we will incorporate as many as possible to produce a mutually beneficial partnership. However, please remember, we provide group care and we do have certain limits.

Dedicated Cribs

If your child attends full-time, we guarantee a dedicated crib for your baby where all the crib paraphernalia and toys belong to your baby only. Part time parents can select a dedicated crib option.

No Drop-Ins

We do not allow drop-in children to mix with the regularly enrolled children. This practice does forfeit "extra money" we could otherwise earn but we believe in "Quality Care". Usually drop-in children end up taking far more attention than his enrolled counterparts so that the registered children go short-changed. It also curtails, any illnesses the child could bring into the school. Parents do continue to pay during the absences of their child so the school can keep and maintain this policy.

Stimulating Environment

At our school babies spend the majority of the time out of their cribs. When the babies are alert and active, they are outside of their cribs being challenged and stimulated.

Scheduling

The School of Infants has devised a very unique concept of step scheduling by which we provide a one to four teacher-child ratio.

Parent Support

Parenting is a continual learning experience and we occasionally offer formal Parenting classes for parents during our open houses. Our program coordinators and directors are very qualified and educated in child care issues. Many parents consult with them to help resolve child care dilemmas. Please feel free to talk with them any time.

Better Hygiene

Good hygiene is one of the areas where we get an A+ all the time. We have created several steps to produce a very healthy environment.

• Vertical cribs isolate a child from other children so coughs, sneezes, colds etc do not effect one another.
• We change the crib sheets on a regular basis.
• All the crib toys are disinfected regularly and are never shared by two children.
• The play mat is disinfected after each use.
• We use disinfectant soap.
• We have a separate staff to keep rooms clean at all times and a night crew which thoroughly cleans and disinfects.
• We have high ceilings which create better ventilation in the rooms and we always air out the rooms in the evenings.
• Shoes must be taken off before entering the infant room and work clothes are not to be worn in the infant room.

Supervision

We have taken several steps to improve the supervision of children by incorporating the latest electronic technology into the system. This extra sense of supervision and security gives the parent a great deal of satisfaction. We constantly keep updating our systems. Some of the systems that are currently online are:

Video Monitoring

State of the Art video cameras are installed in all classes as well as in corridors and in areas surrounding the school building. These are vigorously monitored by the Director and Assistant Directors.

Large glass windows are installed in all rooms of the building which makes it easier for the parents to look in without disturbing the environment of the class. As well as for supervisors to assist teachers.

The latest available Intercom system by the country's leading manufacturer is installed in the building with extensions in all classes as well as the Cafeteria and other important key locations. This helps us to communicate with teachers without having them leave the class room. This is also used in fire drills to rapidly make effective announcements and consequent evaquation.

Safety

"A parent is a parent for one child and a stranger for others." To give complete peace of mind to all of our parents, no one who does not work at our school is allowed to wander around in the building. If a parent wishes to observe a classroom, he may do so by having someone at the front desk accompany him. We encourage parents to come and visit us during non-rush hours and appreciate our excellent program.

Outside Playtime

If parents wish, we take even the very young children outside for short periods of time, weather permitting We can make scheduling arrangements with all working mothers who wish to breast feed their baby during the day.

Daily Report

We issue daily reports which relay when all the feedings and activities took place. The child's general mood disposition is also recorded for your knowledge.

Developmental Checklist for Infants

Since the Montessori System is a child oriented system (and not a school oriented system), it is essential to keep a close watch on the child's mental and physical development. In order to achieve this effectively, the Montessori School of Downtown has developed a Developmental Checklist. This checklist helps the teachers to know the child to start with and then later the teacher fills this regularly at several occasions to record latest developments.

Smoother Transition

We help parents to make a smoother transition for their children in new child care arrangements. (During the child's first week we contact the parent everyday to inform them about their child's progress.)

Computerized Records

Our computerized records make our parents very satisfied. Proper recording of immunizations, list of emergency contacts, family / friends who are allowed to pick the child up, and records of conferences and financial records help to keep everything going smoothly. We issue a summary of annual payments at the end of the year which helps in any type of law documentation need.

Physical Facility

Our School of Infants is designed and built for very young children. It is a much safer and more appropriately designed building for babies then even a house or remodeled building.

Front Reception Area - Pick ups and Drop-offs

You will always find a person in charge at our front desk who will be happy to assist you and answer most of your questions. We have a separate telephone line for existing parents who wish to call and inquire about their baby.

Activities for Infants

1. GROSS MOTOR - At this stage in life, young babies are developing at a very fast pace. Babies need a lot of gross motor activities to help develop and fine-tune gross motor skills. We offer several developmental activities for the babies.
   1. Kickboard - Child is motivated to kick the kickboard with his/her leg motions and is rewarded with the ringing of a bell.
   2. Kickball - Helps to produce movements of the legs as well as the hands.
   3. Bell Anklets - Helps to produce movement of the legs.
   4. Turning and changing position - Helps to produce movement in the large muscle groups.
   5. Offer objects at a reasonable distance - helps to produce movement in small muscle groups and also requires concentration skills.
   6. Crawl games - Any game which helps to stimulate the crawling mechanisms in the baby.
   7. Physical Stimulation - To achieve simple body movements for mobile infants.
2. INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION - Interaction by verbal exchanges, playing music, making various noises, exploring objects for size, shape, color, texture, movement, position and sound. Hiding objects for seek and find and motion games which include clapping, singing, etc.
3. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT - Interaction with familiar people, reassuring and nurturing at all times, close attention to pertinent activities, verbal communication and approval, slow, simple and non-threatening competitive games.
4. LANGUAGE -Play with dolls and verbalize body parts (i.e. nose, ears, mouth, etc.), make noises during all interactions, name all objects consistently and constantly, give meaning when introducing new words, name all body action, read books and look at pictures and interact with many fingerplays.
5. Self-Awareness - Help facilitate bottle holding, finger foods, picking up small objects, learning to creep, crawl and walk.