Infancy is a tender, remarkable time of growth and development in a child’s life. In our Bright Baby infant program, emphasis is placed on the child’s physical needs, such as feeding and diapering, as well as interpersonal interaction. Each infant classroom is designed to develop physical, emotional, social and cognitive skills for babies between the ages of six weeks and twelve months. Enrollment in the infant room may be extended based on a child's developmental needs. At most of our locations, we provide Similac formula and baby food as part of our program along with a structured day.
Research has shown that engaging infants in interactive experiences that involve sensory, motor, and social explorations will build brain connections. Our infant curriculum focuses on engagement and stimulation through social interactions including: talking, playing, moving, reading and singing.
Our curriculum focuses on the important daily activities that your baby experiences like eating, playing, sense of self and relationships. Our teachers even incorporate American Sign Language into your child's daily routines to help development in all areas.
Your Baby's Day
In addition to nutrition and daily needs, your child will explore the world around them through language (babbling), gross motor skills and fine motor skills (holding a bottle independently). Our teachers shower the infants with attention by holding them, singing to them, and rocking them periodically throughout the day. These interactions help to foster their cognitive and emotional development.
In their classroom, teachers play with the babies on mats to encourage sitting up, crawling and standing. Mirrors at floor-level stimulate recognition and encourage children to pull themselves up at the sight of their reflections.
We want your child to feel happy, safe and secure while they are in our care. We display family pictures in their crib and classroom, to help emulate their home environment. Your child's teachers will be responsive to each infant's individual needs and daily routines, partnering with you every step of the way.
Partnering with Parents
We know that parents are a child's most important teachers. Each day you will receive a daily sheet through the CNI Cares app that will detail your baby's day including diapering, eating, sleeping, temperament, learning activities from the Bright Baby Curriculum and any supplies that you may need to bring the next day. Our teachers partner with each of our parents by offering information to help reinforce what their child is learning throughout the day. Download and login to the CNI Cares app for updates directly on your digital device.
Preparing for Your First Day
Once your baby is enrolled, you will want to prepare for their first day in their new environment. If your child has specific needs that you have questions about, you will want to talk with the school directly beforehand. For a list of amenities we supply for you and what you should bring, we have created a First Day Packing List
From Jaime, infant teacher, North Carolina…
“I usually can’t sleep the night before a new infant joins our classroom; the anticipation is just too much! I cherish those first few days, getting to know our new friend and his family. Not only will I take extra care to begin building a trusting bond with the infant from the start, building a trusting bond with the baby’s parents is super important, too. I will spend as much time as it takes making sure that baby and parents feel comfortable and safe in our classroom, getting to know the baby’s routines and special habits, and learning about the family’s unique characteristics. Once the family feels at home in our classroom, the real fun begins – love, laughter, and lots of caring interactions. It’s all in a day in a Childcare Network infant room.”
Click here to learn about what infant developmental milestones your child will be experiencing in their first 3-12 months.