INFANT/TODDLER DEVELOPMENT CENTER 
                                                           
Program Director: Lisa Kontos                       
Center Hours: 7:00 am - 6:30 pm                                          
Telephone: 201-445-0642
Administrative Assistant: Lynda Pisani
 

Our Program
Offering high quality care and learning activities since 1983, the center is a fully licensed day care facility. Because we believe that continuity in day care is better for child development, we meet the needs of children from six weeks through Pre-K. However, it is our strong educational component that makes us unique. As a program of the Ridgewood Board of Education, the center is supervised by experienced school administrators with an eye toward preparing your child emotionally, socially and academically, to reach his or her full potential.


Parent Participation
We encourage parents to participate in the activities of the center, with visits welcome at any time. We also frequently encourage input and suggestions via conferences with teachers, scheduled meetings with the director, classroom participation  and special occasions.
Our parents come from a wide variety of professions and occupations and they enrich the center by lending a bit of their own expertise whether it is to help organize an event, raise funds, or even speak to their child's class about how they do their jobs. Working together, parents and the staff of the center enhance the child's learning experience.

PROGRAMS:

Our programs for children start at the age of 6 weeks and progress through kindergarten age. Placement is determined when the child visits the center.

Infants
The infant group ranges from 6 weeks to 12 months.  The staff to children ratio is 1:3. In this group baby's immediate needs are met through a loving, nurturing environment in which comfort is offered through touch, play and talk.

Toddlers
The Toddler group ranges from 12 to 24 months. The staff to children ratio is 1:3. In this group the toddler is given a variety of opportunities to practice newly acquired skills and experience feelings of autonomy and success.

Twos
The Two's group is for children who turn 2 years old by October 1st. The staff to children ratio is 1:4. In this group the child becomes aware of himself and others in a comfortable setting. Self-expression and independence are encouraged through areas of music, language and play.


Threes
The Three's group is for children who turn 3 years old by October 1st. The staff to children ratio is 1:5. In this group the child practices language, activity and movement, and socialization in an atmosphere that emphasizes large muscle development.

Fours
The Four's group is for children who turn 4 years old by October 1st. The staff to children ratio is 1:8. In this group the preschooler continues to develop language and literacy skills through books, posters and other printed media. Varied experience allow the child to practice small motor activities, basic math concepts and problem solving skills.


CURRICULA

Infant Toddler Development Center Curricula
-Language Arts and Literature
-Creative Arts
-Music Participation and Music Appreciation
-Science
-Dramatic Play
-Outdoor Play
-Problem Solving and Puzzles
-Cooking
-Developmental Physical Education
-Computer Science
-Planned Lessons

OBJECTIVES
 
Objectives of the Infant Toddler Development Center
- To help create a positive self-image
- To stimulate thinking through the use of senses
- To offer age-appropriate educational experiences for each child
- To allow children to make choices within a framework of order
- To encourage social, emotional and intellectual growth through play, which enriches learning
- To create an environment which is warm, loving and free of pressure