Infants

 ?  What items does your program provide?

Building Blocks provides diapers, wipes, stage 2 baby foods, formula, and linens for cribs. We also provide breakfast, AM snack, lunch and PM snack when your baby is ready to eat solids.

 ?  What is your ratio?

The teacher to child ratio is dependent on the group's average age.  

1:3 for young infants 8 weeks to 6 months

1:4 for 6 - 12 months.

1:5 for 12 - 18 months.  

There are 2 infant groups.  The youngest group has a maximum group size of 8 compared to Texas Minimum Standards of 10.  The 1 year old class has a maximum group size of 10-12 compared to the Texas Minimum Standards of 18.

 ?  Will the teacher send a report to tell me when my baby was fed?

Building Blocks uses a parent app. Teachers will post feeding times and amounts, diaper changes, photos and more.  Parents can also message teachers directly.

 ?  How often are diapers changed?

Diapers are changed every 1.5 to 2 hours excluding eating times and nap or more often when needed.

 ?  What schedule do you follow for my infant?

We are respectful to each child's individual schedule.  We will work with parents to determine a schedule that closely mimics their schedule at home.  

 ?  Are parents allowed to enter the classroom?

One parent may enter when necessary, however, in order to keep all infants safe we ask that parents drop off and pick up at the infant door.  Siblings are not allowed in the infant room.  Parents may be asked to wear shoe coverings upon entry.  

 ?  Can I drop by for a visit or to breastfeed?

Absolutely! Building Blocks has an open-door policy. You can stop by the center whenever you please to breastfeed or just spend quality time with your child during a lunch break.

 ?  How do you warm bottles?

We prefer to mix bottles fresh and serve them at room temp.  If warming is needed, we will use a bottle warmer.  We never use microwaves to warm bottles.

 ?  How often are cribs and toys cleaned?

Infants are assigned a crib.  Cribs are cleaned and sanitized daily or when cribs are re-assigned.  Toys are cleaned and sanitized daily.  Items that have been in a child's mouth are cleaned and sanitized before other children can play with them.

 ?  What will my baby learn?

Infants learn at their own rate progressing in a manner that is predictable.  Teachers support this learning by following milestones and providing stimulating activities and exploration.  Our chosen curriculum is Frog Street Infant which covers the 4 domains, physical, language, social/emotional and cognitive.  A typical day would include songs, stories, and fingerplays.  

 ?  Do you ensure babies get tummy time?

Floor time or "tummy time" will be scheduled for young infants a minimum of twice daily increasing the amount of time as they progress. You will also notice that we have very little "restrictive equipment” in the room. Children spend most of their awake time on the floor learning to move, roll, crawl, pull-up, and take steps. 

 ?  Do the infants go outside?

Yes.  Infants are given at least a few minutes outdoors daily, weather permitting.

 ?  When will my child move up to the next class?

There are 2 factors in deciding to move an infant to the next class: their development and available space. Infants typically move to the toddler room between 10 and 14 months of age and are mobile.  The transition must be comfortable for both the child and parents.  When ready, infants will "visit” the next room to become acclimated to the routine, the children, and teachers before being officially moved.  Parents are given the opportunity to visit with teachers prior to graduating.