Maggie’s Kids at Work

ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES AND PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM

Infants Preschoolers
Two months to 2 years old               Two years old and up

~Age appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of the individual child and day.
~ Outside play, crafts, stories, instruction, and naps are offered according to the child’s ages, interests, and abilities.
~The child will be tender with loving care, understanding, patience and guidance in a happy family setting.
~Maggie’s Kids at Work’s curriculum is focused on the process, not the product. It gives the opportunity to develop large and small motor skills, stimulate their curiosity and creativity, learn social skills, discover answer through hands-on, develop and expand the language, and give positive self-image.

 

GUIDELINESS FOR INFANTS

I am aware that newborns rarely have a fixed feeding and sleeping schedule. They will be fed when hunger is indicated and rest as needed. A sleepy baby will be allowed to rest, and an alert baby will be removed from his/her crib. As the baby develops a schedule (around six months), meals and naps will be more consistent: breakfast, morning nap, lunch, afternoon nap, and snack.
It is not practical in a group setting to expect an infant to be held continuously. It is also not beneficial to the baby. Infants are included in-group activities whenever possible: sitting in my lap for story time, playing on the floor during free play, rocking during quiet time.
• All babies will be held during bottle feedings until they are able to hold the bottle on their own.
• Infants will be allowed to nap in a crib, or playpen. The bedding will be washed when needed and twice weekly.
• Formula, bottles, and baby jar food need to be provided by the parents (please, labeled with your child’s name). It is your choice to bring these every day or left here and replenished as needed.
• The baby will be moved about throughout the day to different areas, held, or carried about to prevent boredom. Older children are NOT allowed to pick up or roughhouse with the baby.
• Infants who can crawl or “scoot” will be allowed to do so freely in the living room or main play area. Playpens will not be used to discourage this time of exploration and movement.
• Illness is inevitable at some point. Although it can be stressful for parents when their infant has a cold, I will do everything possible to reduce germ transfer. Please realize that not all germs can be removed from an area.

 

INFANT SLEEP ARRANGEMENTS

State Child Care Regulations state that all infants must sleep on their back. No wedges or blankets may be used to prop the child. All recommendations by the SIDS Back to Sleep Program are followed when caring for a sleeping infant. Please remember, your infant does need tummy time to strengthen their arms and back while awake. Back positioning is recommended for sleeping only.

MEALS AND SNACK

We care about good nutrition for children’s health. We provide nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch and snack) to all the children at our home daycare. We follow the food requirements provided by the USDA Childcare Food Program

NAPS

Daily naps are encouraged for each one child. If a child does not sleep, she/he may spend “quiet time” looking at books or playing with toys quietly without disturbing others. Comforting and soothing techniques will be used to help your child asleep. All children are checked on periodically while they nap.

BELONGINGS FROM HOME

No personal toys from home are allowed. Toys can be lost or broken and can cause unnecessary social disturbances. I will not be responsible if it gets lost or broken. I have children to care for and I cannot keep track of play toys brought from home. Please help your child comply with this rule.

DIAPERING

Parents must provide disposable diapers for children who are not toilet training. Wet or soiled clothes must be taken home daily. All children who are in diapers will be checked frequently (except during naps).
We provide moister wipes.

TOILET LEARNING

I will assist your child in toilet training with the understanding that it will be successful only if we work together. I will use cotton underwear or pull-ups supplied by the parent. Send your child ONLY in easy on/easy off clothing until they are able to completely undress and dress themselves. I required at least 5 complete changes of clothing during Toilet Learning. I do not launder soiled items and will send them home in a plastic bag. Please replace any clothing sent home the next day.