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Infants

About Infants...

Our Infant Cohort at Woodland Academy provides a peaceful, loving start for babies, grounded in the principles of Reggio Emilia and the gentle care approach of Magda Gerber and Emmi Pikler. In a safe, nurturing environment, infants are cherished as capable, curious learners who grow through responsive caregiving, unhurried routines, and trust-filled relationships. Teachers thoughtfully design experiences that promote secure attachment, motor development, sensory exploration, and early communication, while respecting each child’s natural rhythm and need for movement. Daily opportunities for exploration, nature play, music, art, and Bible stories foster a strong foundation for spiritual, social, and cognitive growth. With lower teacher-to-child ratios and individualized care, parents can feel confident knowing their baby is receiving high-quality Christian infant care that blends compassion, respect, and intentional learning in every moment.

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Infant Highlights:

Social Emotional Growth

  • Teachers use responsive caregiving and gentle routines to help infants feel safe, loved, and connected. This aids in building secure attachments.

  • Through Conscious Discipline strategies, caregivers model naming feelings, offering comfort, and supporting co-regulation; thus, aiding in the development of early emotional awareness.

  • Predictable schedules, routines, rituals like Conscious Discipline's  I Love You rituals and nurturing interactions help infants develop trust, self-soothing skills, and resilience.

  • Daily interactions, including baby doll play and Baby Doll Circe Time and one-on-one engagement, encourage empathy, connection, and the foundation for relationships and the beginnings of friendship.

Cognitive and Language Development
 

  • Teachers use narration and responsive talk (aka serve and return) throughout the day to build infants’ aural (hearing) vocabulary, laying the foundation for later oral communication.

  • Infants engage in sensory play, open-ended materials, and nature exploration that foster problem-solving, memory, and early cognitive connections.

  • Daily music, reading, and Bible stories nurture listening skills, pattern recognition, and the joy of language from the very beginning.

Creativity and Exploration

  • Infants are encouraged to explore textures, colors, and natural materials, sparking curiosity and imagination.

  • Early opportunities for music, movement, and art experiences allow infants to experiment and express themselves in joyful ways.

  • Safe Exploration – A thoughtfully prepared environment gives infants the freedom to move, reach, and investigate, building confidence and a sense of wonder.

Faith Foundation

  • Infants are introduced to God’s love through gentle Bible stories, simple songs, and blessings woven into daily routines.

  • Teachers model prayer and gratitude, creating an atmosphere where faith and love are part of everyday interactions.

  • Even the youngest children are nurtured with kindness, compassion, and respect, building a spiritual foundation from the start as we live out our Christian values.

  • Consistent, loving care reflects God’s love and helps infants begin to experience trust, belonging, and community.

Caring and Nurturing Environment

  • Teachers provide loving, individualized attention that helps each baby feel safe, valued, and cherished.

  • A calm, cozy, intentional classroom design creates a soothing environment where infants can thrive at their own pace.

  • Daily communication and collaboration with parents ensure that each child’s routines, needs, and milestones are respected and supported.

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