What should you look for in a program to teach infants how to learn? Take a look at what you need to know about high-quality infant care and learning programs.
Does the Classroom Have Open Spaces?
Infant learning doesn't include academics. Unlike an older child, your baby isn't ready to read, write, or learn complicated math concepts. Instead of lectures and lessons, your infant will learn through play—and this requires plenty of open space.
Look for classrooms with large open areas that are free of toys, furniture, or anything else. These spaces give infants the room they need to develop gross motor (large muscle) skills. As your child moves through their first year of life, they'll rapidly develop new motor abilities. According to the CDC, by 12 months, your baby could pull themselves up to a sitting position without help, stand, cruise (walk while they hold onto furniture), or walk.
The more open space an infant classroom has, the more motor activities they can practice or engage in. Without an uncluttered area, your child may not get the chance to crawl, cruise, or walk during their day at school.
Does the Classroom Have Well-Defined Areas?
Even though motor development is a key area for infant development, it isn't the only way your child will learn during their first year. Again, infants won't learn through standard or traditional academic activities. But this doesn't mean they can't build the foundation for later skills right now.
Well-defined classroom areas give your child the chance to explore through their senses safely. They can explore soft blocks, manipulate board books, or make an artsy mess with finger paints. While these activities may seem like all play and no learning, they can help your child to build fine motor (small muscles of the fingers and hands), cognitive, language, social, and emotional skills.
Along with skill-building, well-defined areas can also reduce classroom risks. Each infant classroom should have a clear diapering/changing, feeding, sleeping, and play-time space. These separate areas help to stop the spread of illnesses and can keep the room (and your infant) clean.
Does the Classroom Provide a Stimulating Sensory Environment?
Infant classrooms need to balance a soothing setting with a stimulating environment. The educator can accomplish this through the strategic use of colors, patterns, and textures. Look for posters or artwork on the walls, area rugs or other textured flooring options, and large labels that feature bold letters on items in the room.
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