The goals of our infant program are to foster the development of trust and to assist in the natural development of the young child's personality. We know that trust develops in an environment where people respond attentively to the infant's needs to be loved and accepted. In addition to needing love and nurturing, infants also thrive in an environment that promotes their strong, natural need and desire to learn. How exactly do infants learn? Infants learn by touching and responding to gentle touch, and by moving freely as they interact with their surroundings. The freedom to move and explore is essential to any infant's development. Whether they are enthusiastically manipulating an interesting toy, quietly exploring the secrets of a mirror, scurrying about, or calmly enjoying a song, infants grow and learn emotional and intellectual independence through movement. At Twin Parks Montessori Schools, we provide individualized learning activities that are appropriate for even the earliest stages of a child's development. Our materials are provocative yet simple, and each is carefully designed to appeal to children at a given level of early development. Our children flourish in carefully prepared, familiar environments that respect, support, and respond to their basic needs for independence, exploration, and movement. Materials are displayed on low, open shelves and on floor mats, all within easy reach of even the youngest child. A predictable sequence of activities and routines helps the infant feel very much at home. During these first formative years, we never lose sight of the infant's need for individual care and attention. We know that through the quality of holding, feeding, and communicating, children acquire a strong and positive sense of self. While children are encouraged to be active, inquisitive learners, sensitive adults are always near to direct their exploration, to assist, or to gently comfort. Communications, both verbal and non-verbal, are also a vital part of the infant program. So our infant class is a rich environment for developing language. The vocabulary of objects, activity, and feelings pervades every aspect of our program. Due to the fact that parents are the ones who best know their child's routine, personality, and unique comfort level, we strive to maintain a constant dialogue and close relationship with a child's family. In fact, our goal is to partner with families in shepherding the infant's total development. Infants bring special joy and need special care as they go about their very important and unique work of physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Our job is to provide an atmosphere that communicates unconditional love and acceptance; in turn, our quality care permits you to feel secure as you attend to your own daily activities. Singing Sensorial Activity Quicktime Video (3.4Mb) Quicktime Video (3.1Mb)