Call us at 860-580-5353 or 203-872-7686 Contact Us Careers What Makes Us Different About Us Locations Programs Parents Corner Blog Our Chickadee Program (Infants) Educational Playcare’s Chickadee program focuses on meeting each child’s individual needs in a caring and trusting learning environment. Our teachers understand that each child and family is unique, which is why we take the time to get to know your infant before they even start in our classrooms. We encourage parents to visit with their child in our classrooms so that we can form a trusting bond with both the child and parent. We develop an understanding of each child’s at-home habits and routines before they start so we can provide a smooth transition from home to school. We do not attempt to adapt the child to a preset routine or schedule. Each one of our chickadees is on their own eating, napping, and active schedule within our infant classrooms. Diapers and Wipes One thing that sets us apart is that we provide diapers and wipes for your baby’s first year. This means fewer things for parents to worry about in the morning as they pack up for school. Curriculum We provide a play-based curriculum for all of our infants which will meet their individual developmental needs through the use of themed experiences that extend (on average) through two weeks. All of our classroom activities are planned in accordance with individual learning goals defined for each child. While interacting with the infants in their care, our teachers are constantly making observations of the infant’s skills and development in order to intentionally plan for their individualized developmental needs. Teachers plan social and emotional games and experiences to help our infants develop a sense of self, form bonds with their teachers, mirror expressions of others, and take interest in being around their peers. In addition, our infants have outdoor experiences each day, weather permitting. Within our infant program, our teachers help and encourage infants to develop their physical skills, such as holding their heads up and following sounds and movement. Our older infants interact with their teachers in ways that encourage them to sit up, roll over, crawl, pull up, and walk. We provide art and sensory experiences too. Our infant program encourages language development by immersing children in a language rich environment and by actively communicating with them throughout the day, including during play, during outdoor experiences, and during routine tasks such as diaper changes and bottle feedings. Our teachers start signing with our infants through the use of our American Sign Language core signs. Research unanimously supports substantial benefits from sign language development for both infants and their caregivers. Some benefits include: Enabling infants to express their wants, needs, and emotions Reducing their frustrations Increasing their self-esteem Increasing the bond with their parents and caregivers Helping them to remember words because there is muscle memory involved, and the more senses involved in learning, the greater the memory retention the child will have And the use of sign language actually accelerates the development of verbal communication We work in partnership with our families so that children can effectively communicate with both their teachers and family members. Learn more about our American Sign Language Program. View examples of: Chickadee Lesson Plan (pdf) Chickadee Goals (pdf) Communication with Families Communication between our teachers and families is one of our top priorities. Besides our ongoing face to face meetings at pick-up and drop-off times, we also communicate with families through the use of a digital communication app. iPads in each classroom allow our teachers to send you daily reports, pictures, and even videos. Families can download this app on their smart phone or receive these communications through their email. Additionally, with this app you have the ability to update your child’s teacher regarding your child’s sleeping patterns, eating schedule, and any special needs for the day before you even walk through our door. At the end of each day, you will receive a detailed report which includes what your infant ate, drank, how they slept, their diaper changes, and any activities they participated in throughout their day at school. Our schools hold Parent/Teacher Conferences twice a year too so you will have the opportunity to come in and a have a personal meeting with your child’s teacher to plan for their next steps in development within our program. Want more? Connect with us on Facebook and follow our childcare blog for insightful information about all aspects of parenting, including health and safety, nutrition, tips and tricks, as well as games and fun! Testimonials Brian Underkolfer Any concern about a child care center we had has become a distant memory thanks to EPC. Read more Brian Busam My daughter loves go to EPC every day! It’s a great feeling knowing that she is being taken care of. Read more Gabrielle Artaiz EPC is an amazing child care center! The teachers and directors are so compassionate and truly care. Read more Priyadarshini Jagadeesan At EPC, our son is free to explore his interests in a supportive, open and beautiful space. Read more Looking for more information or ready to schedule a tour? CLICK HERE! © EDUCATIONAL PLAYCARE, LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.