Infant Program

Loving Caregivers & Warm Environments

Our Infant Program prioritizes nurturing attachment to caregivers, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy development.  

Our Educational Approach

Our caregiving philosophy is inspired by the RIE® Educaring Approach, emphasizing the importance of secure attachment and allowing infants to participate actively in their care. In the words of RIE® founder Magda Gerber, “Caring is the curriculum.” Every interaction,from feeding and diapering to play, is an opportunity for connection and engagement. Outside of caregiving activities, infants openly explore with their environment with as little interruption as possible, building motor and cognitive skills alongside curiosity and confidence. With age-appropriate toys and sensory experiences, we thoughtfully design our classrooms to provide safe and engaging spaces for infants to explore and play. As they grow, we nurture their physical development with organic, made-from-scratch purees and introduce specialist curricula, including music and art classes tailored to the youngest learners.  

A Typical Day

Our Infant Rooms are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Daily schedules revolve around a responsive approach, meaning feeding and sleeping are on-demand, based on the individual infant’s cues. This research-backed approach allows teachers to give full attention to each infant during caregiving activities, creating an essential bonding that babies need.   

Infants’ schedules flow within a daily classroom rhythm with structured activities in which the whole class participates. Here’s what a typical day looks like: 

  • Morning Greeting: A warm welcome sets the tone for the day as caregivers greet each child with a smile and gentle interaction. 
  • Caregiving Activities: Diaper changes and feeding time are not just routines but meaningful opportunities for bonding and learning. Our cue-based approach ensures we meet each infant’s needs with sensitivity and individualized care. 
  • Exploration and Play: Infants are encouraged to explore their environment through age-appropriate toys, sensory experiences, and interactive play. Caregivers provide guidance and support as infants discover the world around them. 
  • Outdoor Time: Every day, we take the infants outside for fresh air and exploration, fostering a connection with nature and the community. This time also allows infants to experience different sensory stimuli and, as they grow, engage in gross motor activities in various environments. 
  • Specialist Programming: Our specialist programs begin in infancy. Every week, our Atelierista (art teacher) and music teacher visit the infant rooms to provide sensory experiences in touch and sound.   

Nutrition

Nutrition is vital for healthy growth and development, especially in the early years. We invest in healthy foods for all children in our care. Our on-site organic kitchen prepares fresh, made-from-scratch purees daily, ensuring your little one receives the nourishment they need. We work closely with families to introduce foods when the child is ready (beginning at four months), following the USDA CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) guidelines for infant feeding and nutrition. 

Explore a sample menu!

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ready to join us?

We are currently enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year with options to start in summer.

Reach out today to schedule a tour or learn more about our infant, toddler, preschool and prekindergarten programs centrally located in North Seattle.

(206) 547-1433 

admissions@ourbeginning.com 

123 NW 36th Street, Suite 120

Seattle, WA 98107