Infant (Nido)
Serving infants ages six weeks to 15 months old.
Nido Program Overview
From the moment infants are born, they begin learning and observing everything around them. They respond to touch, sound, light, taste and smell. That learning continues every day through each experience. The Nido (which means “nest” in Italian) is a prepared environment that is small, warm, safe and comforting for the infant.
The staff wonderfully responds to each child’s needs and fosters their curiosity. Each child is respected as an individual, and the Nido teachers provide a safe and reassuring beginning. As a result, the child is a joyful and confident learner, happy to explore and practice new skills.
At a Glance
The Nido classrooms can each have up to 10 children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 15 months, and the student to teacher ratio is 1:3.
Children sleep on specially designed floor futons rather than in a crib. This allows the child to make the choice to fall asleep rather than being forced by the caretaker to sleep in a confining crib.
Consistency between home and school life is imperative at this stage. There is daily communication between the Nido teachers and infant parents about schedules, changing, feedings and infant milestones.
Schedule & Supplies
The daily schedule in the infant environment is tailored specifically to the needs of the infant. Upon enrollment, parents provide a schedule of their child’s typical routine. This helps ease the transition for the child. Teachers will follow this schedule and keep note of occurrences throughout the day. Each day parents are provided a written schedule of feedings, diaper changes and naps.
Feeding and Changing
- Parents are responsible for providing all meals for their infant.
- Each classroom is able to store and heat formula as well as fresh or frozen breast milk.
- All bottles and breast milk must be labeled with the current date.
- Parents supply all diapers, cream and extra clothing for their child.
- We are able to accommodate the use of cloth diapers.
- The Parent Library is a private area that is used by nursing mothers to breastfeed and/or pump milk.
Supply List
- Standard crib sheet
- Sleep sac for children under 12 months
- Formula or breast milk (named and dated)
- One bottle per feeding
- Extra clothing (weather appropriate)
- Diapers, wipes and diaper cream (cloth diapers welcome)
- Sun hat and glasses encouraged for sun protection
First Steps: Three Programs for Young Learners
First Steps offers three program levels designed to support children as they grow. These include our programs for Infants, Toddlers and Children’s House
Infants ages 6 weeks to 15 months are supported by caring educators who foster curiosity, confidence and joyful learning from the very beginning.
Toddlers ages 15 months to 3 years build independence and confidence through hands-on exploration and meaningful daily experiences.
Students ages 3-5 are encouraged to follow their curiosity while developing foundational skills in academics, practical life, creativity and collaboration.