Lawrence High School Infant/Toddler Program

For children 2 months – 2 years, 9 months

Locations

Infant/Toddler Center at Lawrence High School

Community Family Child Care Homes

The Infant/Toddler Program at Lawrence High School provides nurturing, developmentally appropriate care to the children of teen parents who are attending school or high school/GED graduates who are working. The program has two components: early education and care for infants and toddlers offered in the center-based setting or family child care provider homes and support for young mothers.

Infants receive warm, nurturing care adapted to their individual needs. Feeding, napping, cuddling, and developmentally appropriate activities are all offered according to infants’ individual schedules. A record of each infant’s daily schedule is maintained by the teachers and is shared with the parent each day. Toddlers thrive in an environment that supports language, socialization, and their growing sense of independence. Teacher-caregivers give individual attention to toddlers, guiding them through activities and interactions in small groups.

Learning is guided by Creative Curriculum®, which provides a framework for creating environments that move and flow with children’s developing interests and changing needs. Children learn about themselves and the world around them and are encouraged to feel capable as learners; teacher-caregivers are guided through a process of observing and monitoring the healthy development of children. A typical day includes: a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack; tooth brushing; free play; circle and music; fun learning activities: painting, coloring, cutting, gluing, dramatic play, sand or water play; gross motor play; stories; and outdoor play time.

Transportation is offered for children between home and the care site. Parent and education support groups meet weekly to address parenting skills, career counseling, and balancing the needs of home and school. A teen parent advocate calls on the young mothers and their children at home, offering additional parenting support, health/nutrition guidance, and help with referrals if additional services are needed.

Infant classrooms are led by certified, highly qualified teachers and have 2 teachers with up to 7 infants; Family Child Care homes have 1 provider with up to 2 children under the age of 15 months and 1 child between 15 and 24 months who is able to walk independently, with a total of up to 6 children. Toddler classrooms are led by certified, highly qualified teachers and have 2 teachers with up to 9 toddlers; Family Child Care homes have 1 provider with up to 2 children under the age of 15 months and 1 child between 15 and 24 months who is able to walk independently, with a total of up to 6 children. Large Family Child Care homes are staffed with 1 provider and a full-time licensed assistant with up to 3 children under the age of 15 months, 3 children between 15 and 24 months, and additional children over age 2, with a total of up to 10 children.

For more information about enrollment in the LHS Infant/Toddler Program, contact Yaritza Lopez at 978.722.8492

Thanks in part to sponsorship from: