WELCOME to the BABY BUNNIES CLASSROOM!
Welcome! We would like to welcome all the Baby Bunnies and their families to the classroom. We are very excited to have you in the Baby Bunnies class and are looking forward to the following year. The following packet contains the guidelines and procedures of the Baby Bunnies room. If we have forgotten something or you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with any one of the teachers in the class.
Open-door Policy: Our babies’ parents are always welcome in our classroom. Please feel free to stop in or call to check on your infant.
What to bring: We recommend keeping at least two full changes of clothing (including shirt, pants, onesie, socks, etc.) at the center. Parents may also want to leave an extra pacifier, a hat, and sunscreen (for walks). Diapers, wipes, diaper ointment and bottles are also to be brought from home. Everything brought from home must be labeled with the child’s name. Sheets, bibs, burp cloths, mobiles, and crib toys are provided by the Children’s House. According to DCFS there will no longer be blankets or toys allowed in your child’s cribs. Due to SIDS concerns.
Daily Sheets: Each child will go home with a sheet detailing his or her day. This includes times of naps, time and types of diaper changes, food eaten, and times and amounts of bottles taken. On this sheet, parents will also find notes about needed supplies and a record of any medication given during the day.
Medicine: If your child needs medicine during the day, a Medicine Authorization Form must be filled out with a prescription number if applicable, the child’s name, and parent’s signature. This form details the type and amount of medication needed, as well as the time it should be given. DCFS requires a note from the Doctor for all medication.
Diapers: Babies’ diapers are changed at least as often as two hours, but more often if needed. Babies are wiped at every diaper change. Ointments are generally applied as needed, unless otherwise requested by the parent.
Naps: Growing babies require a lot of sleep! Infants fall asleep in a lot of different ways. Please let us know what works best for your baby. Naps, in the Infant room, are not strictly scheduled.
Walks and Outside Play: We will go outside daily (weather permitting), either for a walk or to play on a blanket in the grass area.
Bottles and Food: All bottles and sippy cups must be labeled with the child’s name. As regulated by DCFS, bottles may contain only formula, breast milk, milk, or water. Children’s House follows the Federal Nutrition Program and will supply high iron formula, high iron cereal, meat, fruit, vegetable baby food, and infant appropriate snacks. If using the center’s formula, bring bottles with water prepared at home. If you choose to use a different formula, bottles must be prepared at home, and formula must be premixed. You also may choose to use your own baby food. The time at which bottles are given is coordinated with the parents’ wishes and the needs of the infant, but most babies eat every 2 – 4 hours. All bottles are warmed in a crock pot and the temperature is tested before serving. Warmed breast milk may be kept for 1 hour, and formula for 2 hours. Breast feeding mothers are welcome to nurse their children at the center. Mothers may nurse in the Infant room or in a room that is not in use, such as the Weber Lounge. When your child is ready to eat baby food and you choose to bring baby food and/or cereal from home, the containers must be sealed and labeled when they arrive at the center. Open jars of baby food will be dated, and can be kept for 24 hours. Baby food is warmed in the microwave, and the temperature is tested before serving. When a child is ready for solid food, it will be provided by the center. Breakfast is served at 9:00, lunch is served at 11:00, and afternoon snack is served at 3:00.
Schedule:
7:30-9:00 Arrival, floor play, diapers
9:00-9:30 Breakfast
9:30-10:30 Nap
10:30-11:00 Floor play, diapers
11:00-12:00 Lunch
12:00-12:30 Floor play, diapers
12:30-2:00 Nap
2:00-3:00 Floor play, diapers
3:00-3:30 Snack
3:30-5:30 Floor play, diapers