Infant-Toddler Program
Click here for a 2011-2012 Calendar
A new feature of the Infant-Toddler Program this year is the
Atelier, or the Art Studio.
This year's teacher is Liz Putnam, and her interactive website is located here.
The Infant-Toddler Program provides early education and childcare and is a ministry of First Baptist Church. The weekday school, designed for eight-week-old infants through toddlers who turn two years old after September 1st of any year, is licensed by the State of South Carolina. The Infant-Toddler Program was founded in 1969 and currently serves 80 children.
The school year session begins in late August and ends in late May. The school day is from 9:00 – 12:00 on Monday and from 9:00 until 2:00 on Tuesday through Friday. During the school year, the program follows the public school holiday calendar for most of the dates.
As with all of the Preschool Ministries programs of our church, our goal is to help the youngest preschooler to feel secure in his first experiences away from home, to develop a positive self-image and an awareness of others, and to learn about God’s love through nurturing by devoted teachers.
Our school strives to provide the highest standards in early education in
a supporting and enriching environment inspired by the Reggio philosophy. The
Reggio approach to early education originted in Reggio Emilia, Italy. At the
core of this philosophy is the natural development of the child in close relationship
with his environment. The Reggio philosophy is based upon the following set
of principles:
•
the image of the child as competent and capable.
•
the child’s role in constructing knowledge through exploration, self-
expression, problem solving, and investigation;
•
respect as a vital element in the daily life of the school – respect
for self, others, the school environment, and the world;
•
the physical environment of the school as a powerful educational force;
•
the child’s right to relationships – with peers, teachers, and
other adults in the school environment;
•
the use of a wide range of materials to foster creativity and learning;
•
the partnership between parents and teachers in setting goals for the child’s
individual growth;
•
the importance of the family’s participation in the daily life of the
Program.
As collaborators, advocates, and partners in education, parents are a vital component in the daily life of our school. As a result of the relationship between home and school, many of our parents integrate principles of the Reggio approach within their parenting and home life.
The following quote from an Italian educator helps to summarize the educational approach and philosophy of the Infant-Toddler Program: “When the child is encouraged to explore, investigate, and discover knowledge about his world, he finds his gifts. In the process, he develops a love of learning, and a joy for living.”
The Infant-Toddler Program is a member of “Project Infinity,” an
initiative of Inspired Practices in Early Education, Inc. This non-profit organization “exists
to promote the exchange of ideas and points of view regarding education for
young children, envisioning a state, a region, and a world where all children
experience exceptional childhoods.” Our school is also a member of N.A.R.E.A.,
the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance. Through these associations, Infant-Toddler
Program educators engage in professional development opportunities and are
in dialogue with other educators who are seeking to provide outstanding educational
experiences for young children.
For more information, contact Rosemary
New,
Infant-Toddler Program director
School Year Program
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Summer Program
Tuesday and Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.