Collierville Christian Academy
WELCOME TO OUR INFANT/TODDLER PROGRAM
Being happy and feeling “at home” is just how we want your baby to feel. So, with your help, our caring teachers will be able to identify your baby’s rhythms for feeding, sleeping, and playful interaction; then we strive to mimic them as closely as possible. We believe this allows for a more nurturing and secure day for your baby.
Starting your child in childcare can be very stressful and we are very sensitive to working closely with our families and we offer the following tips to prepare for a stress-free transition.
- Routine.
We ask parents to provide us with a written schedule of your baby’s routine, including feeding schedule, nap schedules, and any other information to help us maintain the normal daily routine. This routine will change quickly as your child develops, especially in regard to feeding schedules, amounts, and when cereal and other foods are to be added to the daily routine. This information should be updated regularly by parents; in writing, and we will post this information on the feeding instructions.
- Transition from home to CCA.
We have designed a nurturing, safe and secure “home away from home” where your baby will learn, play and grow. We are committed to creating a strong bond with your child to ensure the best start in life.
- Visit our facility together.
Bringing your baby to our center before the first day will help your child get accustomed to the environment.
- Don’t disappear.
Always be sure your baby is awake, had breakfast, and is dressed and ready to begin a new day when you bring your baby here. Always let him/her know that you’re leaving. Otherwise, you break down trust and can create anxiety. Clearly let him/her know that you have to go to work, and that you’ll be back to get him/her later. Although his/her tears (and your own) may be unbearable at the moment, most babies calm down within a few minutes of their parent’s departure. (A viewing window is by the door so you can see for yourself!) Of course, the more you talk about the drop-off and pick-up in advance, the easier it will be for your baby to adjust.
- Bring Special Items from home.
Bring items from home that your baby is particularly attached to. Some suggestions include soft toys and blankets and family photos. These can provide important connections for your baby to their home. We love family photos to hang above their crib and down low where they can see their family’s picture. Some studies have shown that children can actually be calmed down with photos of their parents.
- Update Your Baby’s Physicals.
Before starting at CCA, you should make sure your baby has received state-mandated immunizations and all are current. Also, a signed well baby statement from your health care provider for children 30 months of age and under is required. Special healthcare conditions or allergies should be discussed with the baby room staff as well as administration beforehand and procedures and dosages for medication must be provided, in writing. Administrative staff administers medications. Keeping us informed about your baby’s health is very important.
- Contact Information.
CCA has a form specifically for this purpose. Your list should include your own work and cell phone numbers, as well as three other emergency contacts’ names, addresses and phone numbers. Also be clear about who can and who cannot pick up your baby from the center at any given time. This information should be kept current at all times.
- Bring the Right Gear.
Stocking your baby with essentials will help keep them comfortable while you’re away. Not having the right clothing or supplies on hand can stress everyone – most especially, your baby. Each parent is assigned hooks to hang diaper bags and space for additional clothing articles.
Required supplies include: Diapers, wipes, bottles (one for each feeding), formula, baby food, diaper rash ointment, 2 changes of clothes (in case your baby dirties his outfit). The two changes of clothes should be updated regularly to ensure that the correct size and weather appropriate clothing is available. Babies are taken on outside buggy rides (weather permitting) each day. In winter, your child should have a hat or hood and in summer time you should provide sun block and a hat. Please make sure you check your baby’s supplies are always well stocked.
Supplies provided by CCA include: Your child is assigned their own crib, clean sheets, bibs, blankets, there is a refrigerator for storing breast milk, premixed formula, storage place for supplies, feeding chairs, spoons, and age appropriate toys. Daily reports will be provided to keep you informed about your baby’s day. Used bottles will be returned to you at the end of the day so that you can take them home for sterilization and must be returned the next day.
In our effort to provide a safe and healthy environment, we request all older siblings be picked up last or have them remain in our lobby. Parents and our staff are the only people that should be inside the baby room.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Even with the very youngest children, we have in place a "plan for learning," but not lessons! CCA adopts the concept of a plan for learning that is all-inclusive and centers on connections and relationships.
