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Infant & Toddler
The staff of Infant & Toddler programs are trained in developmentally appropriate practices forchildren of these ages. Our infant room staff provides a stimulating age-appropriate environment with a 4 to 1 teacher/child ratio that includes personal care, music, outdoor activities, and language development. The children begin to develop their independence in a supportive environment with lots of time for hugs and encouragement. The infant program is designed to meet the individual needs of each baby. Every child is assigned his/her own crib and follows a personal schedule of eating, sleeping, and playing. Same age children often have similar schedules so they have the opportunity to play together and have meals together.
The toddler program has also been developed specifically for children 18 months through 3 years of age. The environment is designed for sensorial and motor exploration in both the indoor and outdoors settings. The work of the toddler is to build a sense of independence and self-confidence. They are also given many exposures to ideas, objects and concepts through a language rich environment and approach. The classroom is flexible and open to individual interpretation. Toddlers receive lessons on sensorial materials, language, and mathematics, with the emphasis on language. They also receive french and music instruction once each week.
The staff of Infant and Toddler Programs at Brookwood are trained in infant and child CPR and first aid. They also attend regular training in child development and education.
Our hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, which are available as 3-10 hour blocks:
6:30 - 4:30, 7:00 - 5:00 or 7:30 - 5:30.
Meals
All food for our infant program is provided by parents. This way children only receive foods they can tolerate. We are able to refrigerate food, and can warm bottles as needed. Non-breakable bottles are a requirement for all babies. Parents may provide either frozen breast milk or formula. It is a good idea to leave a backup can of formula in the classroom. Mothers who breastfeed their babies are welcome to do so at The Brookwood School.
The Brookwood School provides a morning and an afternoon snack for children in our Toddler program, but breakfast and lunch must come from home. We maintain a no candy policy. Please do not send these items in your child's lunch box.
Attendance
Attendance may be full- or part-time according to a schedule set at the time of enrollment. Part-time enrollment is available. Every effort will be made to match compatible schedules to allow two part-time children to fill a full-time enrollment space. However, if the Infant and Toddler Program receives a full-time application that cannot be accepted because of space restrictions, a child enrolled on a part-time basis will be given the first right to convert that enrollment to a full-time enrollment, with the understanding that failure to convert to full-time enrollment may result in termination of part-time enrollment.
Clothing, Diapers, and Special Toys
All clothes should be comfortable and appropriate for the weather. All clothing should be labeled. The Brookwood School cannot be responsible for lost clothing. Two complete changes of clothing should be left at the school. Parents provide diapers and wipes for their child. The staff of Infant and Toddler classrooms will be happy to administer over-the-counter topical ointments for the treatment and prevention of diaper rash, but we do need written instructions from the child's parent describing how you would like the ointment used.
The staff will begin toilet training procedures when the child shows signs of being developmentally ready. Please discuss with your child's teachers what you are doing at home and what The Brookwood School can do to support your child's toilet learning process.
Your child is welcome to bring a special stuffed toy and/or blanket for security or to help them go to sleep. We ask that you not send toys with your child because it is very difficult for young children to share their toys.
Immunizations and Medical Information
Children are required to have undergone a medical examination by a health care provider every year. The parents must provide a written statement signed by a health care provider which states that the child:
- is able to participate in child care,
- currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease, AND
- is receiving health care, including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations
The parent should also provide a copy of a lead-screening test.
Parents must also provide documentation that their child has received age-appropriate immunizations in accordance with New York State Public Health Law. Any child not yet immunized may be admitted provided the child's immunizations are in progress, and the parent provides specific appointment dates for subsequent immunizations.
The following is a schedule of required immunizations:
- By 8 Weeks: D T a P (1st), Hep B (1st), Hib (1st), IPV (1st), PCV (1st)
- By 4 Months: D T a P (2nd), Hep B (2nd), HiB (2nd), IPV (2nd), PCV (2nd)
- By 6 Months: D T a P (3rd), HiB (3rd), PCV (3rd)
- By 15 Months: HiB (4th), MMR (1st), PCV (4th)
- By 18 Months: Hep B (3rd), D T a P (4th), IPV (3rd), Varicella
Prescription and orally administered over-the-counter medication may be administered only with written permission of the parent and written instructions from a health care provider stating that The Brookwood School may administer the medication or prescription. Any medication must be in the original container with the following:
- child's complete name,
- medication name,
- recommended dosage
- intervals for administration
- method of administration & measuring device, if needed
- expiration date, AND
- for prescription medication, the prescriber's name and license number
If a child becomes ill while at Brookwood or displays symptoms of a communicable disease, has a fever or seems unwell, the parent will be contacted and the child should be taken home as soon as possible to minimize the spread of communicalble disease.
A child should not attend the Center if s/he:
- has a temperature of 102 rectal or 101 oral
- has a communicable disease
- is vomiting or has diarrhea
- is unable to participate in usual daily activities (including going outside)
- has an earache
- has a cold sore or impetigo
A child may return to the Center when:
- temperature is normal for 24 hours without a fever reducer
- no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours
- strep infection has been treated for 24 hours
Head lice are an unfortunate and common problem in this area. Please check your child's head for signs of lice or nits periodically throughout the year. We will also check for head lice several times every year. Any child found with lice/nits will be sent home for treatment. To prevent reinfestation, please do not send your child back to school until after treatment.
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