At Stages Child Development Center we have had the wonderful opportunity to watch children play and interact from six weeks of age all the way up to six years of age. It is always a joy to watch children grow and learn throughout these first precious years of their life's journey.
Have you ever watched infants play hide-and-seek together? Or, have a conversation with each other? Or, giggle while playing with a toy together? Or, watch their belly roll with laughter and delight at a bouncing or rolling ball? At Stages CDC we have; and do every day. These are just a few of the most amazing activities your infant and toddler will do while they're in our care.
When I tell you infants play together in activities such as: peek-a-boo, making silly faces, giggling over a goofy toy, or rolling balls I'm not talking about toddlers aged twelve months or older; I am talking about infants and babies. These are babies less than eight months of age who can not yet stand on their feet or even crawl around a room.
Throughout our busy day we often have visitors or entertain phone calls from new parents who are terrrified to send their baby to a child care so they can go back to work. While guiding these parents through a very difficult decision process, two of the most common questions they ask are, "Will my child sit in a swing or a crib all day?" And, "My baby is too young for day care and too young to make friends; right?" These two questions couldn't be farther from the truth. Some of our most joyous moments are when we have the opportunity to sit on the floor of our infant classroom smiling and cooing at the babies. It is always a delight to have them smile back at us. It is even more rewarding to watch two babies in their own cribs, popping up and down, giggling and smiling at each other while playing peek-a-boo together.
Often, the Infant Team sits the babies in circles on a mat and places toys in the center of them so they can all play together. Our Team will also sit the infants (only a few weeks old) in bouncy seats/chairs facing one antoher. When babies are able to sit and play together several things take place: they engage in eye contact, they learn to share, they mimic each others' facial expressions, and they giggle and coo together. But, the most important thing they do is make friends.
Socialization is very important for young children. These are key ages for children to become acquainted with others, develop strong social and communication skills, and make lasting friendships. From personal experience, I will share with you, my daughters all continue friendships they made when they were only a few weeks old in day care. From a parental perspective it is not only wonderful to see my children flourish in such a strong bond, but rewarding to watch their friends grow, too. Not only have my children gained strong bonds and communication skills, but I have likewise gained the same bonds with those parents.
An infant or baby in our infant classroom does not just sleep in their crib or swing aimlessly throughout the day. These children are making friends with others their age and giggling with delight over a coo their friend shared with them. And, just as importantly, you as the parent have the wonderful opportunity to gain a bond with another new parent to share your thoughts and ideas of parenting.
At Stages Child Development Center we make the most of every day, for every child.
Sheri J. Picioccio
Director / Owner
