Infants & Toddlers

Photo Gallery

"Babies are motivated, curious and comptetent learners right from the start. They are natural scientists. Cognitive development is the building of concept knowledge and thinking skills. Children come into the world eager to learn. Through relationships, active exploration and experiences, infants and toddlers make discoveries about the world, figure out how things work, imitate others, try out new behaviors, share meaning, learn social rules and solve problems. Like scientists, young children uncover the mysteries of the world. Through play and self-initiated practice, they build concepts and develop their thinking skills." - Ohio's Infant & Toddler Guidelines

We know that what children learn between birth and the age of three lays the foundation for everything they will become in their life. They are observing, mimicking, touching, tasting, smelling, and just plain curious about everything and everyone around them. Their environment and the adults around them have a profound impact on their sense of well-being.

Infants and Toddlers need daily routines they can count on. That's why at J. R. Coleman we strive to make their days contain the same routines. Each day includes a welcoming arrival, one or more group play times, choice time, outside time, naptime, meal times, bodily care, and a warm departure. This creates a stability that makes babies and toddlers feel secure and safe. We love that parents drop children off with a hug and pick them up at the end of the day with a warm "I missed you" smile.

During arrival and departure times teachers talk with parents to ensure that necessary information is exchanged both verbally and through our infant/toddler grams that help to document the child's day and/or needs. This helps to gain trust and assurance for all parties involved and to use the cues from parents and children to best support the family.

Group times for babies and toddlers at J. R. Coleman are opportunities for exploration. Our classrooms are stocked with materials that allow young children to explore and share their experiences with other children. Trained teachers are always nearby to prompt and encourage learning through play.

Choice time provides opportunities for older toddlers to make a plan, do it, and then talk about it. This helps children build thinking, communicating, and problem solving skills.

Our staff are trained in the Ohio Early Learning Content Standards and use developmentally appropriate methods and tools that invite babies and toddlers to develop a love of learning in a safe and caring environment. To find out more about what your infant or toddler can do and learn see Ohio's Infant & Toddler Guidelines.

WE FOCUS ON OUTCOMES

It is our intent that children who attend J. R. Coleman consistently and regularly will increasingly display high levels of school readiness.

For the past three years, infants and toddlers attending the J. R. Coleman Center have maintained above average scores in each of our infant/toddler classrooms while increasing the overall average score as well. Children under the age of three, who have been at our center for at least eight testing periods (two full years) are more likely to score at or above the average of their peers by the end of their toddler career as determined by the COR (Child Observation Record). 84% of the scores tracked for children attending regularly and consistently for those two years were at or above the average score for their age. The data shows that children who do not attend regularly and consistently do not score as well as those who do. This means that it is important that infants and toddlers receive continuity of care.

In this unpredictable economy when hours are reduced, jobs are lost, and substitute care is used, children lose ground. This has a profound effect on their ability to start school ready to learn, to be successful, and to thrive.

ENROLL OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Susan Stebler at 330.452.8376 ext. 320 or CONTACT US!

The Child Care & Learning Center is located at:
2213 14th Street NE
Canton, Ohio 44705

Hours of Operation
5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT DONATING NOW CONTACT Cathy Toth at 330.455.3873 ext. 406