Infant Room

infant in crib at preschool

Both our Lakeville and Prior Lake schools & child care centers opened infant rooms in the fall of 2016. To be put on the waiting list, or to inquire about the status of the opening, please contact us.

The opening of an infant program has been in formation over the last few years as we have been approached by Sonnet families who were looking for a warm, loving and nurturing environment for their littlest ones. We currently accept infants ages 6 weeks to 15 months. The environment is an enriching and nurturing one, where there are ample opportunities to explore, satisfy the curious mind and lots of time for cuddles, reading, language and motor development activities. Our teachers are patient, loving and experienced, and are honored to be able to care for your child.

“The greatness of the human personality begins at the hour of birth.”
– Dr. Maria Montessori

infant in red crib at daycare

INFANT COMMUNITY PHILOSOPHY AND PROGRAM PLAN

The foundation of our education and learning philosophy is that each child is an independent thinker and naturally gravitates towards areas of interest. Trained early childhood education teachers are aware of these patterns displayed by the children in specific learning categories and will foster those interests.

Since children are receptive and curious, it is the Montessori philosophy that embraces that independent thinker and allows them to make choices on their own while the teacher, who is trained to spot those choices, enables further advancement of specific interests. We believe that a Montessori education provides students of all ages with information in a way they can understand it and enjoy, where learning can be fun and tailored to each child’s unique learning style.

We have designed a classroom to facilitate and foster the advancement of those specific interests, whether they are: language, sensorial, gross motor development, music and more. Toys, games and learning exercises make the transition seamless from mere “playing” to actionable learning.

Program Objectives

Our Infant Community offers a program that allows your infant to experience the joy of learning while preserving the spontaneity, initiative, and curiosity inherent in them. Each child is treated as an individual and allowed to develop at their own pace while being supported and encouraged to grow in the areas of independence. Our Infant Room also understands the deep emotional needs of infants and provides a loving and nurturing environment where they can thrive.

We are proud to have a diverse group of children from various cultural backgrounds and teach each child to respect their cultural background.

The Infant Community activities offer both quiet and active times throughout the day. Infants engage in both free play and teacher-guided activities. The materials and activities we provide are designed to develop each child intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. Activities include holding/touching, making eye contact and communicating with babies as much as possible; talking and singing to babies; tummy-time as a time to encourage infants to achieve mastery of their bodies through self-initiated motor behavior such as rolling and sitting. Older infants will be encouraged to feed themselves and encouraged in their development of self-help skills; encourage and support each older infant’s developmental achievements such as pulling up self, walking and climbing; listening and responding to infants as they begin using language.

Our experienced caregivers will help you and your children make the transition to child care by providing personal attention to your infant’s needs. Your baby’s schedule and feeding habits will be respected. Each child receives a daily report via PreciouStatus (an instant update app/parent communication email), so you will know what your baby did during the day, and you will also receive photos and videos of your baby throughout the week.

There are three primary areas of our Infant Community:

Movement Area
You will find a mirror; wall bar; pushcart; movement mat; materials for hand-eye coordination such as threading; cubes on pegs; shape sorters; puzzles and more. Toys are simple, lightweight, and easily washable. We do have rattles, action/reaction toys, cuddly toys, toys to mouth (i.e. teethers), nesting cups, etc.

Practical Life
The practical life area includes materials for folding, sweeping, dishwashing and water play, hand washing, window cleaning, and more.

Language
The language area includes miniature objects, language nomenclature cars (parts of the body, family members, pets, components of the neighborhood, the school, and the home), books (fiction, poetry, nonfiction), spoken vocabulary enrichment exercises, and other activities including art and music experiences.

DAILY SCHEDULE

7:00am Arrival/Free Play

7:30-9am Breakfast
Babies will drink parent-provided breast milk or formula. Older infants will eat parent provided solids (cereal, fruits, etc)

9:00-11:00

Activities/play time for infants who are awake; naps for younger infants. Small group or individual learning.

11-12:30 Lunch
Babies will drink parent-provided breast milk or formula. Older infants will eat parent provided solids (cereal, fruits, vegetables, finger foods, etc)

12:30-2 Quiet Time

Older infants will nap during this time.
Younger infants will engage in play time

2-2:30 Snack Time (older infants)

2:30-3:30 Quiet Time
Younger infants will nap

3:30-5pm Exploring Time!
Infants will be introduced to other areas and people: activities, walks, stroller rides

5-6pm Time to Go Home