Infant-Toddler Program Descriptions

The West Haven Child Development Infant/Toddler Program provides a warm, safe and stimulating environment, a place where children can grow and learn at their own rate. Our mixed age groups help children to socialize, nurture, learn from and help others. In this program, we use a Primary Caregiver System to help foster the growth of a special bond between your child and his/her caregiver. (Within this program, each child is assigned to one of the teachers in the room. Whenever possible, this particular teacher is responsible for the child's primary needs including eating and diapering).

Each child follows an individualized schedule at the Center. Staff works closely with parents to establish regular feeding and sleeping patterns and to maintain consistency between home and Center. (Information on eating, sleeping, diapering and other information is carefully logged on a daily activity sheet). This daily activity sheet includes a section for teacher comments. The teachers comment as frequently as necessary.

As your child develops and becomes a toddler, the teaching staff will begin to include him or her in a group schedule. This change is only when your child is developmentally ready. The toddlers schedule has more structure with some group activities and walking field trips, but the children also have the chance to explore and learn at their own rate. Activities are provided which include but are not limited to singing, dancing, musical instruments, play dough, art, gross motor, fine motor, etc. The groups take walking field trips around the neighborhood and to the beach. We make every effort to work individually on a one-to-one-basis with each child. The children are also supported and encouraged when being together in a group. This support and encouragement will contribute to their healthy development.

*Hours of program operation reflect changes due to COVID-19 protocol