Infant and toddler daycare: Holidays & Closings – Infant Toddler

Опубликовано: February 1, 2023 в 8:19 pm

Автор: alexxlab

Категории: Miscellaneous

Infant and Toddler Care – YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Infant/Toddler Care

We pay attention to the little things. We offer convenient hours and affordable pricing!

Infant & Toddler Ages: 6 weeks – 2 1/2 years (ages vary by location) | A Y Membership is NOT required

OUR BENEFITS

Licensed
Full/Part-time Child Care
Low Child-Teacher Ratios
Healthy Meals and Snacks
Creative Curriculum
Gym Activities
Family Engagement Activities
Outdoor Experiences
FREE Y youth membership for all children enrolled full-time
Financial Assistance available to those who qualify

SECURE PLACEMENT ON OUR WAITLIST

We would love to care for your child, but we are currently on a waitlist. If you would like to be added to this list, please choose your location below and click on JOIN OUR WAITLIST.

If you are new to the Y, you must create an account to join our waitlist. There is a $25 non-refundable fee per child to place your child’s name on this waitlist. You would then be notified when an opening becomes available.

Questions? Please call 616.855.9622.

PARENT RESOURCES & FORMS

financial assistance application

PARENT INFORMATION

We believe learning takes place as children touch, manipulate, and experiment with things and interact with people daily. Children’s play is an essential component of our curriculum, through their play and experiences, themes are developed that guide our daily activities and interactions.

At the Y, we utilize Creative Curriculum which has six core content areas: literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology.

Our programs use the Creative Curriculum individual assessments and also child portfolios to assess your children’s developmental progress annually. The teaching staff and families discuss the results of the assessments and plan for continued growth throughout the year.

BY USING CREATIVE CURRICULUM AS OUR FRAMEWORK, WE FOCUS ON:

How children develop and learn
The learning environment in which children learn
What children learn
The role of the teacher
The role of the family

The Center provides infant and toddler classrooms for children 6 months to 36 months of age. This program serves 40 children in 3 different classrooms designed for the specific needs of young children. The infant room offers a 1:3 teacher-child ratio and the toddler rooms have a 1:4 ratio. We offer continuity of care for infants and toddlers and keep primary care groups together until they reach preschool.

Our program draws on the infant and toddler’s natural interest of discovery, urge to learn, and the need for close, responsive relationships with caregivers. Infants and toddlers have their own curriculum. Teachers plan the environment carefully so that lessons may be learned through exploration and discovery. Sensitive observation of the children’s needs and interests lead teachers to the appropriate next steps to take in planning. Planning for each day is based on these observations and emphasizes child-directed learning over adult-directed learning.

Young infants need closeness, reassurance and comfort to strengthen their sense of security. Our infant program provides opportunities for close contact and security by assigning a primary caregiver for each child. Teachers help infants by being available and responding promptly, bringing things of interest to the infant, and taking the infant to interesting things. A calm and soothing environment is provided to avoid overstimulation.

Older infants and toddlers are captivated by their growing ability to move. Caregivers provide a secure base of support from which children can venture out and explore. Exploration is encouraged by providing a safe and interesting environment, while at the same time providing challenging opportunities for movement.

California Infant/Toddler Curriculum Framework

Morning Arrival
7:30-8:30 Infants arrive with their parents and are greeted by the teachers. Parents then fill out an information sheet where they can give their child’s primary caregiver information about their child’s night and morning routines; meal times, sleep and other important information about their child.

Breakfast
8:30-9:15 Infants have individualized feeding schedules. Teachers will hold babies who are bottle fed and once babies are able to sit independently, they sit in small groups at a table with teachers. Information from the parent about when your child eats and what foods to introduce is important in order to keep consistency and identify food allergies. At all meal times, nursing mothers are encouraged to sit on a cozy rocker or sofa to breastfeed their baby.

Morning nap time
9:30-10:30 Usually younger infants sleep after breakfast while older infants who do not need a nap can go outside to the patio or play inside.

Morning choice time
10:30-11:30 This is a free time for babies to explore inside or have special time with peers and caregivers

Lunch time
11:30-12:00 The Center provides infant formula, cereal and baby food that can be introduced into the babies diet as discussed with parents. The Center also has a cook on site that makes healthy and delicious meals once babies are eating solid food.

Afternoon nap
12:15-2:30 Younger babies usually take an afternoon nap. Older babies have opportunities to play indoor or outdoors.

Afternoon snack time
3:00-4:00 A light snack is offered to babies waking up from their nap.

Afternoon choice time
3:00-5:00 Indoor free play time gives babies the opportunity to explore indoor equipment, look at books, play with cause and effect toys, sing songs with teachers and explore their environment.

End of the day goodbyes
5:00-5:30 Parent’s reconnect and view the information of their babies’ day

Morning Arrival 7:30- 8:30 Parents arrive and are greeted by teachers. Parents change their child’s diaper or encourage child to go potty as their last intimate moments before leaving.

Breakfast
8:30- 9:00 Breakfast is served in small groups as children arrive to the Center. The children are served family style by their primary teacher in order to encourage a positive meal time.

Morning Choice Time
10:00-11:30 Children have a choice to work inside the classroom or explore the outside yards.

Lunch
11:45-12:30 Lunch routines for toddlers focus on their increasing competencies as they learn to toddle to the sink, wash their hands and feed themselves.

Nap
12:45-2:30 Caregivers rub backs and read stories. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to bond with their primary teacher.

Snack
3:00- 4:00 Snack available, indoor choice time

Afternoon Choice Time
4:00-5:00 The children may play in the side yard with water, sand, and use push toys and balls. Indoor choices may include reading books, dramatic play, puzzles, music, and art experiences.

End of the Day
5:00-5:30 Primary teachers change diapers or help with potty; children work on quiet activities until they go home.

* These schedules are flexible and may change according to a child’s individual needs as well as the groups’ needs and interests.

Kindergarten kindergarten for children in Moscow, prices for a nursery garden for children from 1 year old under the Montessori program

Kindergarten nursery, or where to leave the baby when necessary?

In Soviet times, such a form of pre-school institution as a nursery school with groups for the youngest was quite developed. Today, there are significantly fewer such state institutions, despite the queues in them. But over the past few years, private nurseries and home kindergartens have appeared, which accept babies from a year old. However, this does not save many parents. nine0005

Parents have to face too many difficulties if they decide to send their baby to a kindergarten for children from 1 year old. The most common of them: frequent illnesses, constant tears (babies have difficulty “breaking away” from their mother), nutritional difficulties (some at this age are still breastfeeding or formula, others have allergies or certain food preferences) and adaptation (moreover, the better the situation in the family, the more difficult the child gets used to kindergarten). Plus, it’s corny scary to leave such a crumb, not knowing what kind of care he will actually take. nine0005

In addition, if we are talking about a private nursery or home kindergarten, then there are often certain conditions for accepting babies into groups, including at least potty training, weaning, the ability to hold a spoon , fork and mug, etc. But after all, not every one-year-old baby knows how to do all this … So it turns out that it is much easier for many parents sometimes to sit at home with their baby until a certain age and engage in home education than to send a nursery to a kindergarten. nine0005

Where can I find an alternative to nursery garden?

Before looking for an alternative to a nursery, you first need to understand why you would like to leave your child in it. If it is time for you to go to work, there is no one to leave the baby with, and a nanny is too expensive for you, then probably the state nursery for children will be the most suitable option for you. True, in this case, you should not place too much hope on this institution in terms of education and upbringing of your child, most likely, you will only receive supervision. nine0005

But if you are primarily interested in the educational process of the baby, and at the same time you still have the opportunity to attend classes with your child, then it is probably better to prefer a developmental center. Classes in such centers are usually held for children from 8 months to 6 years. And besides, regardless of the age of your crumbs, here you can always find a program that will meet all your requirements.

We grow and develop together with Montessori

The network of children’s developing Montessori centers “Constellation”, where literally everything is subordinated to the interests of young discoverers, for its part, is ready to offer you a number of developing programs for the smallest. nine0005

If the main thing for you is to raise your child to be happy, free and successful, to teach him to be independent, inquisitive, independent, disciplined and proactive, then our developmental programs based on the popular Montessori system will be the best option for your child and a great alternative to kindergarten manger. After all, with special care and love, we create all the necessary conditions for the development of a creative, talented personality of a child, help him to explore this world with joy and pleasure, gain new knowledge and skills, and acquire fundamental qualities for further development. nine0005

Montessori development

“Mom and baby” groups are created for children from 8 months to 3 years old. In them, kids, together with their mothers, do not just play with toys, but go through a whole educational process under the guidance of a teacher, while receiving their first knowledge

“Adaptation to Kindergarten” groups are created for children from 2 to 3 years old. kindergarten and give him all the necessary knowledge and skills that will be useful to the baby both directly when visiting kindergarten and in further socialization.

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acquaintance with the outside world and social reality,
individual work in a specially prepared Montessori environment, aimed at the comprehensive development of the child,
speech development course with a professional speech therapist,
classes in a creative workshop and a theater for a young spectator, including activities aimed at developing fine motor skills, creative thinking and the ability to aesthetic perception,

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and allow kids to learn to feel free in a new team, build communications and do without a mother, as well as take care of themselves (wash hands, tie shoelaces, fasten buttons and buttons, etc. ).

Short-stay groups mini-kindergarten nursery focused on children from 2 years old. This program is based on developing Montessori classes, and is also complemented by a wide range of additional disciplines, including English, musical development, a creative workshop, a theater for a young spectator, game gymnastics, speech development and much more. Children attending our mini-kindergarten groups receive all the knowledge necessary for entering school, as well as skills that are extremely important for later life, such as interaction with others, self-discipline, responsibility, diligence, working in pairs, the ability to find a compromise, as well as independently make decisions, make choices, bring what has been started to the end and much more. Part-time kindergarten groups of the network of children’s developing Montessori centers “Sozvezdie” is not only an interesting program for obtaining knowledge for preschoolers and high-quality preparation for school, but also an individual approach to education and upbringing, as well as loving teachers who see in each child a unique and unique personality. nine0005

Another article: Preschools

Transition from theoretical articles to practical exercises HERE

How to choose a private kindergarten that is right for your child

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07/18/2022

How to choose a private kindergarten

For many parents, choosing a kindergarten is a real quest. It is necessary to take into account many nuances, study the educational program, make sure that the child will be comfortable and safe. We have compiled recommendations that will help you choose a good kindergarten that your child will attend with benefit and pleasure. Also in this article we talk about a new effective format of preschool education – Pre-school.
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Content:

What to look for when choosing a kindergarten

What other questions to ask management and educators

Additional recommendations

Pre-school – the new kindergarten standard

What to look for when choosing a kindergarten
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A private kindergarten is a great alternative to a public one. Such an institution has many advantages: there is no queue, there are few children in groups, and classes are conducted according to modern and effective methods. However, all private gardens are different, and it is important to choose the right institution.

We list the main criteria that you need to consider in order to choose the right kindergarten.

Premises and territory

Usually in good private kindergartens there are no problems with the territory and premises.
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Assess how landscaped the area around the kindergarten is, whether there are necessary conditions for children to walk. Make sure there is nothing dangerous for the child, such as a broken swing or protruding nails. An important requirement is that the territory must be fenced, and inside there is a guard post. An electronic lock is required on the gate so that only teachers and parents can enter the kindergarten.

Entering the building, pay attention to the walls. What is on them – educational posters or crafts, drawings and photographs of children? It is very important for a child to see himself and the results of his labors. At the same time, it is necessary that this data is constantly updated. It’s easy to check: pay attention to the subject of the drawings and look at the children in the photo. For example, if it is summer now, and New Year’s cards and photographs of children making a snowman hang on the walls, it means that educators do not update the stands very often.
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Do not limit yourself to the corridors and the manager’s office: ask to be shown the rooms where the children spend most of their time, the dining room, the bedroom, the toilet, and the study rooms. If the management refuses to conduct a tour, this is a reason to think: perhaps they want to hide something from your eyes.

In the bedroom, check the comfort of the beds. Today, more and more modern teachers understand that it is not worth it with a fight and tears to force a child to sleep during the day if he does not want to. Find out if there is another way for children to relax and unwind besides sleep.
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Make sure the daycare has a place where the child can go to relax, cool down or just be alone when needed. At the same time, the place should be equipped and comfortable: such a requirement is even in educational standards. Ask if the children know about this place and how often teachers remind them of its existence.

Educational program

You can find out about the program on the Internet, but it will not be superfluous to ask the manager or educators about it. Usually, both public and private kindergartens have many different activities for children. However, private institutions have a richer and more effective program.
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There must be classes for the development of fine motor skills, logic, creative thinking. At the same time, an important part of preschool education is physical development. It is good if children do exercises and not only study during the day, but also spend time actively in general, play outdoor games.

Also, many modern gardens conduct English lessons. But here the question arises: how effective are classes 1-3 times a week? Many educators consider this approach not only ineffective, but also harmful. Yes, children will remember a couple of songs, learn the alphabet, but this will not be enough to understand English. In the future, the child will have to study with a tutor, while the kindergarten age, when children learn the fastest, will be over.
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However, choosing an English kindergarten is also not worth it. Here, most of the children are native speakers, and the program is aimed specifically at them. So, teachers do not translate words, do not use pictures and associations, because Most kids understand everything. In such an environment, a Russian-speaking child feels uncomfortable, develops worse and almost never learns.

If you want your child to learn the language more easily and at the same time develop according to their age and their skills, choose a bilingual kindergarten with full bilingual immersion. Here, educators do everything so that the child reveals his potential, mastering the necessary social skills and at the same time learning English in a natural environment. In bilingual kindergartens, children develop important and relevant skills, self-confidence, and language and communication barriers are eliminated. The English language here is not an end in itself, but a development tool.
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A bilingual kindergarten is the first step towards being able to speak both Russian and English. This result can be achieved in combination with a bilingual school in the future. Thanks to this approach, by the age of 12, a child will be fluent in both Russian and English.

Teaching staff

What is the tone of the teacher’s communication – condescending or more benevolent, practically on an equal footing. The educator should speak to the child as a person and not suppress him.
How the teacher behaves during a walk: sits aloofly on a bench or watches the children, pays attention to everyone.
How the educator resolves conflicts: does he take sides. In such situations, it is important that none of the children feel like an outcast. Even if he was guilty, the teacher should not humiliate the child and put pressure on him. nine0033

Ask the head teacher how often the kindergarten needs new teachers. The turnover or its absence indicates how friendly and well-coordinated the team is, as well as the attitude of the management: this directly affects the quality of the work of the teaching staff.

If possible, talk to the teacher of the group to which you plan to enroll your child. Already only by the tone of communication you will generally understand what kind of person is in front of you. It would also be useful to get acquainted with the doctor, nannies and other specialists who work directly with children.
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What other questions to ask the leadership and educators

Above, we have listed the main points that you need to pay attention to before choosing a private kindergarten. However, there are still many nuances that need to be clarified, as well as important questions for teachers. Let’s consider what to ask the teacher and the head, so as not to make a mistake with the choice of a preschool institution.

How long does adaptation take and how does it work?
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Do not believe if you are told that in the garden, children immediately join the team and feel comfortable in the group, like at home. A small child will first get used to a new environment, educators and nannies. Teachers and parents should help the baby so that this period passes quickly and easily.

Some good gardens have a separate room where moms and dads watch their child adjust. Another option is to attend a part-time kindergarten or attend a summer camp. The latter option will help the child quickly get used to other children and caregivers, and it will also be easier to endure separation from mom and dad. Many private kindergartens offer discounts for camp or part-time attendance.
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How are conflicts resolved?

This question is one of the most important, especially if you did not manage to observe the work of the educator from the outside. Ask a question about conflicts to the head, as well as the teacher of the group to which you are going to send the child. An experienced teacher will talk about how he acts in conflict situations, how he builds relationships between children. Maybe give specific examples. If the teacher could not give a clear answer, this is an occasion to think about his competence.
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Do caregivers, nannies and other staff have safety instructions?

If a caregiver or a nanny needs to leave, for example, to go to the toilet, who stays with the children?
Who is with the children during waking hours?

nine0032 Is there video surveillance in the premises and can it be accessed?

Where are hazardous items stored, such as cleaning products?
What help can a physician provide? What medications does he have? Can he accept medicines prescribed by a doctor for a child?
Will a child be able to open the door in an emergency?
Who, except for teachers and parents, has the right to be in a preschool institution? nine0033

Do not be afraid to ask elementary, at first glance, questions. The more details you know, the more likely you are to choose a safe daycare for your child.

How is food organized in kindergarten?

In kindergarten, do they teach a child to eat on his own if he does not know how? nine0033
What does the caregiver do if the child refuses to eat?
What does the teacher do if the child refuses to eat, but soon asks for food?
Where do they bring food to the kindergarten? Who is the supplier?
What do they do with leftover food?

For parents of children with allergies, the issue of nutrition is especially relevant. Check if it is possible to cook for such a baby separately.

How many people can be in one group?
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One of the advantages of private kindergartens over public ones is the small number of children in groups. This allows the teacher to give enough attention to all children. In addition, the smaller the group, the easier it is for the child to adapt to the team.

Can parents influence the work of the kindergarten?

In many private kindergartens, parents influence the learning process, the choice of teaching methods and development through boards of trustees. It is also possible to check the kitchen, study documents on financial transactions, and attend classes. All this speaks of the openness and honesty of the kindergarten.
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At the same time, if there are no such opportunities, it does not mean that the institution is bad: most likely, the head will explain to you why such a deep participation of parents is not accepted in the kindergarten. In addition, the intervention of moms and dads is often not a plus, but a minus. Parents most often do not have a pedagogical education, unlike kindergarten workers, therefore they cannot take into account all the nuances of education.

How much does kindergarten education cost?

Is the cost of the days when the child was sick or for other reasons absent from the kindergarten refunded?
How many months will the contract be concluded for?
Is there a free period?
Is there a system of discounts and promotions?
Are classes included in the total cost or paid separately?
Are there additional fees? nine0033
Do I need to pay extra if my child has allergies and needs separate meals?

Additional Recommendations

In addition to visiting the kindergarten and talking to the principal and teachers, talk to your parents. On the one hand, many of them may be biased and will tell you something that is not true. But on the other hand, communication with parents is an opportunity to learn about the pitfalls and important nuances of kindergarten.
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When choosing a garden, also consider its proximity to home. It is physically difficult for a small child to spend a lot of time on the road, especially in winter when it is dark and especially cold in the morning. The comfort and health of the child is much more important than the development of even the most effective methods.

Study the license and charter of the kindergarten. These documents will confirm the legality of the work of the institution, as well as tell a lot about its work.

Finally, don’t close your eyes to your own experiences. It happens that the parents are satisfied with the program, the cook cooks deliciously, and all the teachers are high-class specialists with extensive experience. But at the same time, the educators communicate with the children coldly, and the head answers the questions of the parents with irritation or reluctance. In such a situation, it is better to choose another kindergarten, because the most important thing is the comfort of the child. If the baby is reluctant to visit the garden, miss his parents, and come up with a thousand reasons in the morning to stay at home, no development and learning methods will be effective.
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Pre-school – a new standard for kindergarten

Kindergartens in the Moscow region are introducing a new standard of education for children aged 5-6 – Pre-school. It will facilitate admission to school and will allow you to obtain the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities for further education. Also, this standard makes preschool education more intense and interesting for children.

The Pre-school system has been operating in many countries of the world for a long time, including Great Britain, Italy, Germany, etc. It allows the child to master the skills necessary in the modern world. The latter are divided into Soft Skills (creative, communication, social and cognitive skills) and Hard Skills (writing, reading, counting and other skills that are needed for further learning). Consider what skills the child develops in the Pre-school system.
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Soft Skills	Hard Skills
readiness to explore the surrounding world; understanding of simple logic; the ability to make a choice; participation in creative activities: singing, drawing, modeling, dancing, theater, etc. nine0033 compliance with established rules; self-confidence and self-confidence; manifestation of empathy, willingness to help; desire to share with others.	Mathematics: ability to count up to 10; knowledge of at least 5 geometric shapes. Language: nine0032 knowledge of 5 poems and 5 simple fairy tales, the ability to retell the latter; mastery of the alphabet. Physical: ability to keep balance; development of gross and fine motor skills; ability to catch the ball.

Soft Skills

Hard Skills

readiness to explore the surrounding world;
understanding of simple logic;
the ability to make a choice;
participation in creative activities: singing, drawing, modeling, dancing, theater, etc. nine0033
compliance with established rules;
self-confidence and self-confidence;
manifestation of empathy, willingness to help;
desire to share with others.

ability to count up to 10;
knowledge of at least 5 geometric shapes.

mastery of the alphabet.

ability to keep balance;
development of gross and fine motor skills;
ability to catch the ball.

These skills are enough for the child to start learning in primary school more easily and successfully.
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It is much easier and more comfortable for a child to start school due to the acquired skills and abilities in the Pre-school system.
Unlike regular pre-school or kindergarten programs, the Pre-school system is child-friendly. The program is designed so that children receive knowledge without coercion.
Various skills and abilities are developed: reading and writing, mathematics, languages, communication, physical training, creativity, cognitive abilities, etc. nine0033

In addition, in many institutions where the Pre-school system is being implemented, training takes place in a bilingual environment. This is more effective, because the child receives all the knowledge, skills and abilities in two languages at the same time – Russian and foreign. In the future, this will make it possible to master a second language at the native level and enter the best Russian and foreign schools and universities.

One of the institutions that implements a bilingual approach for children aged 5-6 is BKC NewTon School.
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Here, training is conducted according to two programs at the same time – Russian and British. All the skills acquired by the children are both in Russian and in English.

BKC Newton School has a safe and caring bilingual environment. The purpose of the preparatory school is the education and development of the intellect, the disclosure of the child’s abilities. Here, children not only learn languages, but also can fully reveal their potential – creative, academic, social, ethical, etc.
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Friendly developmental environment. Children reveal themselves, demonstrate their abilities, talents, but do not compete with each other.
Comfortable atmosphere. The child can at any time ask a question, clarify something, take the initiative. Attentive and caring teachers encourage the research interest of children, motivate them to communicate.
Regular feedback. Teachers inform parents about the progress of the child and give recommendations. nine0033

The training program is built taking into account the physical and psychological characteristics of children 5-6 years old. Teachers focus on game forms, and also use the methods of the British program, approved by the UK Department of Education. In addition to standard classes, BKC Newton School has project activities, for example, “International Week”, when children get acquainted with the culture and characteristics of different countries.

Infant and toddler daycare: Holidays & Closings – Infant Toddler

Infant and Toddler Care – YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Infant/Toddler Care

OUR BENEFITS

SECURE PLACEMENT ON OUR WAITLIST

PARENT RESOURCES & FORMS

PARENT INFORMATION

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER LOCATIONS

Caledonia YMCA Child Development Center

Infant & Toddler Care

Hours:

David D. Hunting YMCA Child Development Center

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Generations Child Development Center

Infant & Toddler Care

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YMCA Child Development Center

Infant & Toddler Care

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YMCA Child Development Center at Covenant House Academy Grand Rapids

Infant & Toddler Care

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YMCA Child Development Center at Monroe Community Church

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YMCA Jacquline Baber-Bey Early Childhood Center

Infant & Toddler Care

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Find a “Hire” Calling in Child Care!

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Kindergarten kindergarten for children in Moscow, prices for a nursery garden for children from 1 year old under the Montessori program

Kindergarten nursery, or where to leave the baby when necessary?

Where can I find an alternative to nursery garden?

We grow and develop together with Montessori

Montessori development

How to choose a private kindergarten that is right for your child

How to choose a private kindergarten

What to look for when choosing a kindergarten nine0003

Premises and territory

Educational program

Teaching staff

What other questions to ask the leadership and educators

How long does adaptation take and how does it work? nine0102

How are conflicts resolved?

Do caregivers, nannies and other staff have safety instructions?

How is food organized in kindergarten?

How many people can be in one group? nine0102

Can parents influence the work of the kindergarten?

How much does kindergarten education cost?

Additional Recommendations

Pre-school – a new standard for kindergarten

What to look for when choosing a kindergarten
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How long does adaptation take and how does it work?
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How many people can be in one group?
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