Leaving your precious baby in the care of another person is difficult; who can you trust to look after your child? I know how you feel, our oldest two childen were placed in child care at the tender age of six weeks old, and I promise to love and care for your child as if he or she were my own.

Infant and Toddlers Need Special Care

Infants and toddlers are very young; their brains are still developing and they're just beginning to learn about the world, so they they require a special program designed to meet their unique needs. The infant and toddler child care program at Amy & Kids Co. is designed to promote the development of secure attachments while meeting the individual needs of each child.

• A responsive caregiver trained in the unique needs of infants and toddlers.
• Continuity of care in the same setting with the same person all day, every day.
• Plenty of cuddling, rocking, singing, conversing, and being read to.
• Cozy and safe sleeping space with audio & video monitoring.
• A bright, cheerful playspace with engaging toys and materials.
• Opportunities to play with children of varying ages.
• Daily reports of your child's eating, sleeping, diapering, activities, and more.
• Gentle guidance to develop age-appropriate social skills.
• Support and encouragement for parents and families.

Infants' daily routines are based on their individual needs. Each infant will be fed when he/she is hungry and placed down for a nap when he/she is tired. Over time, young children's routines naturally adjust to merge with the older children's routine.

Pre-mobile infants have "tummy time" and experience varying body positions throughout the day. Mobile infants and toddlers practice crawling, cruising, walking, and other motor skills. Children of all ages receive individual attention, cuddling, and time to explore a wide variety of toys and materials. Since outdoor time just as important for infants and toddlers as it is for older children, the little ones will join the group outside as often as possible.

Infants and toddlers are just learning about the world and are especially vulnerable so special care must be taken to keep them safe. Rest assured that your child is safe in my care.

• Abusive Head Trauma (AHT): I have been trained on the prevention of Abusive Head Trauma (formerly Shaken Baby Syndrome) and will never shake or roughly handle any baby or child in my care. In addition to many years of experience soothing crying babies and upset children while remaining calm, I have resources to turn to if needed.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): I've also received Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention training and will distribute SIDS prevention materials to infants' families. Children under one year old will always be placed to sleep following safe sleep procedures.
• Choking Prevention: Foods that a choking hazard will never be offered whole to children under two. Food for infants will be cut to one-quarter inch or smaller; foods for toddlers will be cut to one-half inch or smaller. Children will always be seated and closely monitored while eating.

Infants and toddlers have spedific nutritional and developmental needs as they transition from breastmilk or formula to solid foods.

• Breastfeeding Support: Amy & Kids Co. is proud to be the first family child care program in Outagamie County to earn the Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Center designation. As a mother who breastfed all of my children, I am eager to support your breastfeeding relationship with your child while he/she is in my care.
• CACFP Enrollment: Enrollent in the Child & Adult Care Food Program is available to infants and toddlers beginning on their first day of care. More information about the CACFP and enrollment forms are included in the Enrollement Packet.
• Infant Bottle Feeding: I use the Paced Bottle Feeding method which allows infants to eat at their own pace and be in charge of the feeding. Bottles will never be propped, and young babies will be held closely when being fed. When infants are able to hold their own bottles they will be allowed to do so in order to make the transition to a cup easier. Children are not allowed to walk around or lie down with bottles.
• Solid Foods: I believe that parents should have the pleasure of introducing new foods to their children so I will not feed anything to your child before you do. I will work with you to develop a feeding timetable based on your child's development, Food Program requirements, and your preferences.

Amy & Kids Co. provides iron-fortified formula, organic or homemade baby food, bibs, burp cloths, and baby wipes. Parents of infants and toddlers are welcome to provide these items if they prefer. You will also need to send these items to be kept at the center for your child's exclusive use:

• Bottles: enough for each day's feedings.
• Diapers or training pants; disposable or cloth.
• Two complete, seasonally appropriate outfits.
• Two extra pacifiers, if used. (No attached blankets or stuffed animals).
• Sweatshirt or light jacket during cool weather.