From prioritizing the basic needs to including crucial elements such as early learning and physical, mental & emotional well-being, preschools have always been considered a holistic approach to the growth and development of your little ones.
Oftentimes, numerous misconceptions regarding preschool can cloud the judgment of parents. Among the many notions, the most common one is that they have an inflexible routine when, in fact, they offer one of the most flexible schedules, which is even personalized to the needs of parents and little ones.
Another prevailing myth is that an infant care regime merely encompasses and focuses on napping and feeding.
While these primary aspects are considered a priority, numerous factors, including playing & interacting with other tiny tots, early learning & development, sensory stimulation, and health & nutrition, are equally encouraged in the programs.
These elements ensure a playful, nurturing, healthy, and secure environment where your ‘bundle of joy’ is prepared to thrive in the future.
If you are contemplating your decision to enroll your baby in a preschool because of such misconceptions, walk with us to unravel the nuances of the daily routine for infants, and towards the end, you will comprehend how daycare is one of the most reliable solutions for effective parenting.
Kickstart the Day
Every baby is different, and so is their morning routine. Some may wake up with a burst of energy, while others signal feeding a nourishing and fulfilling breakfast. No matter how they rise and shine, infant preschools in Cayman, and other regions welcome them with warm greetings, a bright smile, and a comforting touch to kickstart the day on a positive note and make them feel at home.
Apart from facilitating a seamless transition, setting up a morning schedule also builds predictability, which is extremely crucial for young minds. Knowing how things will unfold eases them up and empowers them to lead their surroundings.
Quality Sleep
Unlike toddlers and children, babies of 4 to 12 months old tend to sleep 12 to 16 hours a day. Frequent naps and adequate sleep are immensely pivotal and beneficial for tots as they promote their physical growth, brain development, and regulate emotions.
Moreover, it also boosts their immune system and sustains a hormonal balance — a tried and tested formula for a healthy, active, and smart child that blooms to its fullest potential.
At preschools, educators establish a cozy and calm environment for infants by providing soft bedding alongside their favorite toy, stuffed animal, or blanket. To enhance the atmosphere, they dim the lights, play soothing tunes, and even sing lullabies for those who can’t sleep without them.
Naptime not only involves creating a proper sleep schedule but also monitoring the bedtime patterns & sleeping hours. It also ensures immediate assistance for any discomfort they may face, making necessary adjustments for smoother napping sessions in the future.
Nourishing Little Bodies
Contrary to the lengthy sleeping hours, the tiny tummies of the tiny buddies start growling sooner, and who doesn’t need to snack after a nice nap?
Educators plate an iron-packed formula or bottle up warm breastmilk to feed them. Depending on the age, some little bodies are also charged with food purees like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, chicken, turkey, or ripped and mashed fruits like bananas, avocados, or cooked apples.
They are also fed soft cooked grains such as rice, oats, barley, or quinoa and dairy products like yogurt or cheese to fill the appetite and, at the same time, introduce them to different flavors & foods while replenishing their bodies with nutrients, vitamins, choline, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, zinc, probiotics, calcium, fiber, phosphorus, lutein, zeaxanthin, and healthy fats.
Besides fostering well-being, mealtime offers a fantastic opportunity to bond with fellow babies. Teachers recognize the value of togetherness while relishing the food and how it can contribute to making friends, which is why they tend to emphasize mingling and munching, forging a way for them to explore the world of social interaction.
Playing & Interaction
Like other aspects of the infants’ schedule, playing and interacting significantly influence physical and emotional development. Teachers combine effective learning with fun activities to make the session more interactive and encourage curiosity.
Since the goal is to make the little ones build cognitive, social, and motor skills, teachers thoughtfully select entertaining games that increase logical thinking, linguistic abilities, numerical & environmental awareness, behavioral understanding, emotional intelligence, and cultural significance in the early learners.
Games that revolve around colors, textures, sounds, smells, body parts, communication, and nature are often played among infants for their overall development.
Diaper Changing
Diaper changing remains a fundamental and practical factor of the infants’ routine to keep the bottom area free from rashes, sore skin, dermatitis, urinary tract inflammation, or potential infections. Unclean pelvis and buttocks can also impact the mood of your little ones, making them feel discomfort or shed tears.
To maintain hygiene and nurture a happier state, caregivers dedicate a changing area that is surrounded by mats, changing tables, diapers, wipes, gloves, baby creams & powders, and a disposal system that is sanitized at recurring intervals to shield the little ones from germs.
Educators use soft tonality & reassuring words while maintaining constant eye contact for an enjoyable process and to establish a safe space for the baby. Older infants are also motivated to engage in the diaper-switching procedure, empowering them to take baby steps toward a self-care journey.
Storytime
Generally, narrating or hearing stories is associated with relaxation and sleep. While it does contribute to catching some Z’s for the babies, it also expands their vocabulary right from the beginning, resulting in linguistic development.
Through storytelling, infants familiarize themselves with different words and concepts, which exposes them to diverse apprehensions, cultures, traditions, writing styles, reading patterns, and appealing visuals, leading to improved mental health and attention span.
Besides wrapping up the day with a compelling story, teachers also interest babies to participate in tranquil pastimes like coloring, crafting, puzzle solving, and listening to peaceful music, elevating their creativity and personal growth.
This was all about the typical routine of infants in preschool. From morning arrival & feeding to engaging in joyful activities and plenty of sleep, every transition throughout the day is carefully planned to set the stage for development and strike a balance from the early stage.
Do consider assessing your infant’s schedule before enrolling them in a preschool to make sure it goes hand in hand with your routine. Comprehend the experiences and shifts highlighted in the schedule and how the program can support in achieving the key development stages.
Seeking a preschool for your baby that not only focuses on academic growth but also on cognitive development, social and emotional skills, creativity, language, and literacy? Contact Bloom Learning Centre today!
Our infant program emphasizes individual attention, where one teacher is dedicated to three infants to ensure personalized care and a supportive environment.
For more information, check out our infant program now! https://www.bloom.ky/programs/infant-playschool-program-in-cayman-islands
