Raritan Valley Community College: Programs for Kids

In the Infant Room, we know that young infants need security most of all, and thrive in their close relationships with parents and caregivers. Maria Cuellar (Infant-Toddler Certificate) is the consistent caregiver in the Infant Room, with student assistants as needed. They provide an enriching and stimulating environment for our youngest learners who range in age from three to thirteen/fourteen months. They are expert at easing that first transition from home to childcare--both for the child and the parent-–allowing at least a month for adjustment to the new environment. A great deal of the day is consumed with routine activities such as bottles, diapers, and sleep, guided by input from the family as to the individual needs of each child. Waking hours are filled with floor activities, sensory experiences, creative exploration and much more to help each infant become more aware of his/her surroundings.

Toddlers want to find out how everything works around them. Jill Accomando, and the part-time group and assistant teachers, allow our one- and two-year-olds to practice their growing independence as they move into toddlerhood. We know that there are numerous benefits for young children when their parents and caregivers work together during this very busy stage of growth. Daily reports about diapering, sleeping and feeding schedules are an important daily routine. As sleeping and eating schedules become more predictable and regular, the children learn to feed themselves with utensils at a table with their peers. They learn to nap on their own cot each afternoon. Play provides for sensory-motor learning, as well as the enormous growth in receptive and expressive language abilities during this stage of development. Books, toys, and art activities are designed for gross and fine motor activity while encouraging the vocabulary to describe these experiences.

Our two- to three-year-olds are beginning to feel independent and “in control.” They enjoy each day under the direction of Cathy O’ Rourke, with group and assistant teachers who are aware that developing independence in social, emotional and physical behavior is critical at this time. They offer these young learners choices whenever possible while introducing social guidelines for group participation. They focus on self-help skills such as dressing, toilet training and cleaning up. These young children are very interested in participating in small group activities and fantasy play as they develop a strong sense of self. Sharing and developing good social skills -- even good table manners – is an important part of their daily experiences.