The Cambridge Tots Program
The Cambridge International School Infant Program offers children ages 6 weeks to 12 months a secure, low-ratio, sensory-rich learning environment in what is arguably the most important period of their lives. At this stage, a baby's brain is at its most flexible and requires critical input to flourish. During the first year of life, a child's brain undergoes an astonishing rate of growth. The brain will double in size and is hard at work making complex connections and "hard wiring" the senses and developing body awareness through movement.
Movement experiences fulfill the developmental patterns that contribute to a sound body and brain. Along with the enormous physical benefits of movement for visual development --eye-hand coordination, development of the arches in the feet and hands, and one’s overall sense of self-- physical activity and interactive play are the primary ingredients for sound neurological integration. Tummy time milestones include rolling, crawling, creeping and standing and aid in the achievement of cognitive milestones like speaking first words, an increased attention span, and school readiness. Motor development is cultivated from the prone position. Think of it as 'growing from the ground up.'
Movement experiences fulfill the developmental patterns that contribute to a sound body and brain. Along with the enormous physical benefits of movement for visual development --eye-hand coordination, development of the arches in the feet and hands, and one’s overall sense of self-- physical activity and interactive play are the primary ingredients for sound neurological integration. Tummy time milestones include rolling, crawling, creeping and standing and aid in the achievement of cognitive milestones like speaking first words, an increased attention span, and school readiness. Motor development is cultivated from the prone position. Think of it as 'growing from the ground up.'
The Cambridge Infant to Toddler Program was created based on the following beliefs:
HIGH QUALITY CARE FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS
A nurturing and safe environment alone is not enough for our youngest members of school. At this critical time in their lives, children need stimulation, sensory input, and continual exposure to meaningful and rich experiences particularly in language. We believe in the continuity of care model for young children. Continuity of care means that your child sees the same faces every day and builds bonds with responsive, loving caregivers who understand developmentally appropriate practices. Relationship building is one of the most important factors in helping your child not only learn to feel safe and nurtured in the here-and-now but to ensure their success later in life.
A nurturing and safe environment alone is not enough for our youngest members of school. At this critical time in their lives, children need stimulation, sensory input, and continual exposure to meaningful and rich experiences particularly in language. We believe in the continuity of care model for young children. Continuity of care means that your child sees the same faces every day and builds bonds with responsive, loving caregivers who understand developmentally appropriate practices. Relationship building is one of the most important factors in helping your child not only learn to feel safe and nurtured in the here-and-now but to ensure their success later in life.
SECURITY AND INTIMACY
In order for a child to develop a strong positive identity they must experience an environment that offers security, protection, and intimacy. It doesn't happen in "school"; it happens in a continuing relationship with a knowledgable caregiver. In the day-to-day give and take of good infant/ toddler child care, children and their caregivers relate in a way that looks much like a dance, with the child leading, the caregiver picking up the rhythm and following. Security and intimacy help build trust which is critical in reducing infant stress and providing and optimal learning environment in this critical first year.
In order for a child to develop a strong positive identity they must experience an environment that offers security, protection, and intimacy. It doesn't happen in "school"; it happens in a continuing relationship with a knowledgable caregiver. In the day-to-day give and take of good infant/ toddler child care, children and their caregivers relate in a way that looks much like a dance, with the child leading, the caregiver picking up the rhythm and following. Security and intimacy help build trust which is critical in reducing infant stress and providing and optimal learning environment in this critical first year.
CALM AND LOW RATIO OF CAREGIVER TO CHILD
Our "Tots" room is designed for children ages 8 weeks to 15 years of age. Our ratio never exceeds 1 to 3 children and 1 to 4 (older tots) which is well below the state ratio of 1 to 6 children per caregiver set by DECAL Bright from the Start. Our program and emphasizes fostering a responsive bond between childcare "educarers" and children. Children learn best in calm yet stimulating environments. Overcrowded infant spaces create unnecessary stress and overstimulation. Smaller groups mean fewer distractions and better care. Children at this age are growing at a rapid pace and need continual adaptations to their routines and to their level of attention. Our goal is to support the whole child and the "whole family" as they progress through the most challenging yet rewarding time of their child's life. Our caregivers are trained in supporting this specific age group and understand thecritically important role they play in the lives of their young students and the families in our program. We invite you to watch the Social Womb to help understand the infant brain and its specific needs.
Our "Tots" room is designed for children ages 8 weeks to 15 years of age. Our ratio never exceeds 1 to 3 children and 1 to 4 (older tots) which is well below the state ratio of 1 to 6 children per caregiver set by DECAL Bright from the Start. Our program and emphasizes fostering a responsive bond between childcare "educarers" and children. Children learn best in calm yet stimulating environments. Overcrowded infant spaces create unnecessary stress and overstimulation. Smaller groups mean fewer distractions and better care. Children at this age are growing at a rapid pace and need continual adaptations to their routines and to their level of attention. Our goal is to support the whole child and the "whole family" as they progress through the most challenging yet rewarding time of their child's life. Our caregivers are trained in supporting this specific age group and understand thecritically important role they play in the lives of their young students and the families in our program. We invite you to watch the Social Womb to help understand the infant brain and its specific needs.