ONE: YOUR BABY IS EASED INTO NEW SURROUNDINGS AND NEW CAREGIVERS
Until now, your baby has been coddled by you, close family, and visiting friends so spending time in a new place with new people will be a change. As your maternity leave draws to an end, your daycare should take special care to help you and your baby make the transition an easy one. At Luminous, Early Childhood Learning Center in the south Bronx, we invite parents to bring their child and a familiar stuffy or blanket before daily care begins to introduce the new surroundings and caregivers. Bringing baby for longer and longer periods helps some parents and their infants; sometimes it’s better to start the new routine right away.TWO: YOUR BABY GETS PLENTY OF ATTENTION
Young children need lots of attention so it’s important that your baby is part of a small group where she or he can form healthy attachments that nurture social and emotional development. At Luminous, six-weeks to 12-month-olds are in their own classroom with one teacher caring for four children each and a maximum of 8 children per class. Twelve-month to two-year-olds are also in their own classrooms with one teacher caring for five children each and a maximum of 10 children per class. All staff wear masks and follow COVID guidelines.
THREE: YOUR BABY SPENDS TIME DISCOVERING THE WORLD
Look for a daycare that will help your child explore and interact with the world around him or her to promote brain development. Your little one should be encouraged to build large muscle groups by crawling, running, jumping, or throwing a ball to build physical strength. They should also be encouraged to develop the smaller muscles in their hands through activities like clapping, shaking musical instruments, feeling textures, interacting with toys, grasping and stacking items, and learning to drink from a cup. At 5 to 6 months old, we know that your baby wants to taste, mouth, and feel every single thing they can get their hands on! It’s also important that the day care does not distract infants with smart screens that inhibit physical play.
FOUR: YOUR BABY FOLLOWS A DAILY SCHEDULE WITH CREATIVE ACTIVITIES
At Luminous infant child care (near Richman Plaza and Morris Heights in the south Bronx), infants follow a daily schedule that includes opportunities to explore and move as well as circle time, table activities, quiet naps, and of course regular diaper changes!
FIVE: BABY EATS HEALTHY MEALS
Your early childhood learning center should provide a healthy breakfast (such as yogurt, fresh fruits, applesauce, graham crackers, juice, and string cheese), lunch (such as rice, vegetables, fresh fruit, and milk, chicken breast, tacos, and tater tots), and afternoon snacks. Luminous coordinates the storing of breast milk and any special dietary needs.
SIX: VOUCHERS THAT MAKE DAY CARE AFFORDABLE
Vouchers can reduce the cost of day care to as little as $1 to $50 dollars per week per child depending on eligibility. Learn more about qualifying for HRA and ACS vouchers for our Bronx centers. Payment can also be made by SEIU/1199 Child Care, check, credit card, and through the Luminous reimbursement program. Contact the Luminous Early Childhood Learning Center at info@luminouschildcare.org or call us at 718-682-3650.
