If you are considering child care for young children in St. Augustine, you have many things to consider. However, it may be beneficial to seek out those options that offer specific rooms for each age group, allowing children to be safer in their specific room. While this doesn’t mean that children of all ages can’t get along and play together, it simply means that one caregiver isn’t overwhelmed with a lot of different children that require different needs.
Infants
Infants require special care because of their smallness and their inability to do much playing. Most Child Care Facilities In St. Augustine offer care for infants as young as six weeks old. The caregivers are typically passionate, responsible and welcoming and will offer a happy and peaceful environment. Because of the germs associated with shoes, no shoes are worn in the room so that your child remains safe and healthy. You should check that the room contains adequate cribs, bouncers, swings, toys appropriate for infants, high chairs, rockers or glider chairs and specific areas for personal items.
Age One
At the age of one, caregivers typically install a class routine so that children feel more secure. While the routine remains flexible, it offers time to eat, sleep and play. During the day, children are introduced to numbers, letters, colors and shapes and are also encouraged to talk. Daily schedules are available from the facility, and you should look them over to ensure they fit your child’s needs.
Age Two
For two-year-olds, children are taught to be independent in a safe and secure area. They will be taught to wash their hands, clean up the room and themselves, eat, go to the restroom, put on their shoes and more. Daily reports should be sent to you about their behavior, naps and toileting.
Age Three
For three-year-olds, children continue working on independence and being socially interactive. They should be encouraged to make their own decisions, cooperate with teachers and classmates, follow directions and listen. At this age, daily reports are also sent home.
Age Four
The four-year-old program in St. Augustine is considered a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program, which is offered to all four-year-olds and is completely free for the school year. This program prepares your child for kindergarten and offers focus on writing, reading, language and social skills, which will help your child be ready for kindergarten the next year.
