Infant Policies and Procedures
Infant Program (Full Time Only)
The Infant Program is available to children from 4 months of age to 18 months. The focus
of the Infant Program is to provide a nurturing environment in which infants can feel safe and
secure in their environment. Infants will learn about the world around them and also learn a
second language (with availability). Working with infants is one of the greatest privileges as
teachers and we understand the importance of the job. We are here to work with families to
make the transition back to work, or transition into an expanded family as smooth as possible.
We pride ourselves on offering well rounded care that meets the individual children that we
serve. Our program will offer you the security and loving interactions that your children deserve.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is Welcome (and encouraged)!
Our staff members support breastfeeding mothers to continue to breastfeed if at all possible,
including feeding expressed human milk when mothers are not present to nurse. A location for a
mother to nurse will be available upon request. Breastfed infants will only be offered infant
formula with a written permission slip by the family.
Expressed Breast Milk Management
Expressed human milk must be stored in a breast milk bag or premade bottles that are labeled
with a waterproof label and waterproof ink. The label should include the child’s full name, date
and time milk was expressed, and use by date on each. Human milk is stored immediately on
arrival to the facility in a refrigerator or, if already frozen, in a freezer. Families are encouraged
to bring human milk in volumes appropriate for a single feeding, or in some small quantities that
can be used if the baby seems to want more after their usual feeding amount.
Breast Milk Thawing
All breast milk will be thawed by using cool tap water or by placing the package the breast milk
is stored in into a container in the refrigerator to thaw. Only the amount needed will be thawed.
Preparing, Warming, and Feeding Human Milk
Human milk is heated separately from other bottles in warm water. The water used will be
discarded after each use. Gloves are not required for handling or feeding expressed milk.
However, if the caregiver has any cuts, hangnails, or sores on their hands then gloves will be
used to insure the health and safety of the child and caregiver.
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Accidental Feeding of Human Milk to the Wrong Infant
Infants are not to be fed expressed human milk of another infant’s mother, at any time. In the
event that human milk is accidentally fed to the wrong infant, other than to a same aged sibling,
the following steps will be taken:
1. Director will be immediately notified of the incident.
2. Director will then contact families of both the child served the wrong milk and the
family of the milk that was used incorrectly.
3. Staff will fill out an incident form and hand it into the director on the same working
day.
4. Procedures that are to follow would be that of dealing with an individual who has
been exposed to possible contaminated body fluid.
5. Parents are encouraged to connect with the director regarding frustrations and follow
up measures for staff member.
Formula Feeding
Choice of Formula
Infants younger than 12 months who are not fed human milk, are required to drink formula
recommended for them by their health care professional. Parents are expected to supply both
the bottles and formula. We have storage spaces available.
Receipt and Handling of Formula
Formula must be in a factory sealed container and will be prepared according to the instructions
on the container. An open container of ready-to-feed formula or formula prepared from
concentrated formula must be labeled with the child’s name, covered, refrigerated, and
discarded after 24 hours if not used. Powdered formula is stored and prepared only by using the
instructions on the product label.
Solid Foods
Solid foods will be given to an infant only when the infant’s health care professional indicates
that the child is ready for foods in addition to human milk or infant formula. This introduction
generally occurs between 4 and 6 months of age.
Solids Fed By Bottle
No foods will be mixed with formula in the bottle unless the child’s family receives a health care
professional’s written documentation for this to occur.
Feeding Policy & Procedures
Infants
Infants are fed on a cue of hunger such as opening their mouths or making a suckling sound.
Other feedings will only occur with written instructions from a parents or the child’s primary
practitioner. These feedings will be done by the same caregiver whenever possible. Feedings
will stop once the child seems to be satisfied or when they start to fall asleep.
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Positioning Infants for Feedings
Infants that are not ready to sit on their own using a bottle will always be held by a caregiver
during bottle feeding times. The caregiver will either position the infant on their arms or seated
on their lap. This will also be used as a bonding time between the infant and caregiver. Propping
bottles and taking them to sleep is not permitted. A child who is able to hold a bottle or eat solid
foods will only do so when they are seated or being held.
Use of Bottles for Feedings
Infant’s bottles and foods can be warmed up if the infant prefers it that ways but it does not need
to be warmed. Warming of formula and solid foods will be done using warm water for no more
than 5 minutes in a container of water that is no more that 120 degrees. The use of a microwave
is not permitted in warming formula or foods. Any formula or human milk left in a bottle after a
feeding of an hour will be discarded. Bottles used in the facility will be washed following our dish
washing procedure.
Progression to Use of Cups and Utensils
Teachers will offer fluids in a cup as soon as the child seems ready for this drinking method and
with the permission of families. This is usually around 6 months of age. Teachers will encourage
self-help skills to older infants by getting them to try using eating utensils, to practice drinking
from a child sized cup, and using their fingers for feedings. Styrofoam cups, plates, bowls, and
disposable utensils are not permitted.
Glass bottles are not typically allowed for infants within a school environment. If you are
currently using glass bottles please speak with the director for more specific information on
managements of feedings and sanitation. Please label your infant’s pacifiers, bottles & tops,
and/or training cups with your child’s first and last name. The school will not allow any bottles,
cups or containers to be kept in the refrigerator or classroom that are not properly labeled. A
staff representative will contact you to bring the proper bottles to the center if we are unable to
locate a bottle for your child.
Meal time
Infants will only be fed from food out of a bowl and not from the factory sealed jars. Any uneaten
food will be discarded and any food left in the jar will be sealed and refrigerated for up to 24
hours. Older infants who eat meals will have foods cut into pieces of not more than a ¼ inch so
they are able to use their fingers for feeding of those children 6 months and older. Round firm
foods will not be given to young children to prevent chocking.
Daily Active Play
Parents are encouraged to bring extra clothing that can be placed into a gallon size zip lock
bag. The bag should include the child’s name. Children love the outdoors and getting messy.
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Interactions and Responding to needs
Teachers are encouraged to interact with the children and respond to their needs. When a child
is crying teachers will do their best to calm the child by singing to them, playing with them,
changing their diaper, or even by feeding them. Teachers will follow the School’s Philosophy
while interacting with each child. They will encourage children to be self-sufficient in gaining the
day to day skills they need for their age along with helping them gain independence.
Environment
Teachers will provide calm and stress free environment for infants. To do this they will play soft
music each day and provide each child individual attention to learn and work on building their
fine motor and gross motor skills. Teachers are encouraged to use soft voices when talking to
the children.
Restrictive Environments
Infants will not be placed in swings or bouncy seats throughout the day. They will be able to
roam freely around the room for those that are mobile. Those that are not mobile will be able to
have supervised tummy times.
Tummy Time
Infants who are not yet crawling will spend most of the day on their tummies and on the floor
with the teachers. During these times there will be close interactions, encouragement to reach
for items in arms distance along with working on developmental milestones. Tummy time and
floor time is essential to the development of young infants and as much as possible staff will
refrain from placing a child in a restrictive environment (swing, or bouncy seat)
Outside time
We believe in the importance of outdoor play and promote connections with nature. Infants will
spend time outdoors 2 to 3 times daily (weather permitting). Outdoor play may include riding in a
carriage or stroller, gross motor play on the ground or blanket, exploration of their surroundings
and interactions with teachers. All of these activities will be in a safe area for infants. For older
infants they will practice pulling/pushing, filling and dumping, climbing over, under and through,
and using safe equipment to practice pulling themselves up to the standing position.
Napping
While infants are napping they will always be in the eye sight of a teacher. They will never be
left alone while napping. Once a child wakes up they will be taken out of their crib and changed.
They will then be placed on the floor to play quietly until the others wake up.
Back to Sleep
Infants younger than 12 months will always be laid on their backs for nap time unless the child’s
health care professional completes a signed and dated statement that the child requires a
different sleep position. This method is used to reduce the possibility of SIDS.
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Cribs and Crib Content
Infants always sleep in a crib on a firm surface. All cribs used will meet the US Consumer
Product Safety Standards for sleep equipment. Infants who fall asleep outside of the crib will be
placed in their crib on their backs to continue sleeping. Only one child will sleep in a crib at a
time. The only items in the crib with the infant will be a fitted sheet to cover the mattress and a
pacifier (if used). No other items are to be left in the crib occupied by an infant; this includes
things hanging from or above the crib. Wedges, and infant positioners may not be used unless
prescribed by the child’s health care professional.
Pacifiers
Pacifier use is allowed during sleep times, while the child is in their crib or on their cot. Parents
are required to provide replacement pacifiers when the one currently used is worn or damaged
in any way or form. Pacifier use will be weaned upon collaboration with families, however we
recommend beginning that process no later than the age of 12 months. Pacifiers will be
sanitized in the dishwasher weekly or more if needed if pacifier is dirty.
Prohibited Bedding
Water beds and soft bedding materials, quilts, comforters, pillows, crib bumpers, and granular
materials used in bean bags are not accessible to infants.
Preventing Overheating
Infants will sleep in a room that is at a comfortable temperature with clothing sufficient for
warmth that does not result in overheating. Wedges, and infant positioners may not be used
unless prescribed by the child’s health care professional.
Preventing Strangulation
To prevent strangulation, items will not be tied around the child’s neck or attached to the child’s
clothing while unsupervised. These items include bibs, necklaces, garment ties, hoods,
pacifiers, or ribbons.
Diapering
Checking Diapers
Infant’s diapers will be checked every 2 hours or they will be changed sooner if it is apparent
that the diaper has been soiled.
Supervision while Changing
While changing a child supervising will be of most importance. This is accomplished by touch at
all times. A child will never be left alone or unsupervised while on the changing table. If an
emergency arises the child will be taken off the changing table and placed on the floor.
Changing Procedures:
1. Prepare the space for the child, (Diaper, wipes, gloves, extra clothes). - If the child
requires diaper cream we require written permission slip from the parent
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2. Take child to the changing area and put on gloves (all changes require teachers to
wear gloves)
3. Place child on changing table and proceed with changing. (While the child is on the
changing table be sure to practice self-talk and explain what you are doing during
your changing. You are also encouraged to sing songs, and be silly).
4. Replace the child’s clothing if they are soiled. Then place the soiled clothes into a
plastic bag. (All bags should be marked with child’s name and taken home to be
washed by the parent.
5. Once the child’s diaper has been changed and redressed, wash their hands and
teachers will wash their hands with a wet wipe.
6. Place soiled diaper in a covered diaper pail and changing materials.
7. Redress the child
8. Both the child and teacher will wash their hands using soap and water. The water
should be no more than 120 degrees. Use a disposable wipe on the child’s hands
only if the child does not have sufficient neck control.
9. Spray down the changing station with soapy water and wipe off then spray with
sanitizer (should be changed daily) and let sit for at least 2 minutes.
Parents are required to label their child's package of diapers and container of wipes. If you
should bring a limited number of individual diapers, please write your child's name on each
diaper, so that they will not be confused with another child's diapers. For storage purposes,
please try to bring small diaper bags.
The teachers are not allowed to borrow diapers or wet wipes from any other children. The
school does not keep extra diapers and wipes on hand, in the event your child has run out, you
will be contacted via telephone to bring some to the school.
Teething
Symptoms
Teething usually occurs around 6 months but can occur anytime between 3 months and 12
months. Babies that are teething can become very fussy. Teething infants may be given a
teething ring to chew on while teething. This must be sanitized daily and may not be used by
any other child. Teething can cause the infant to have a slight fever and also diarrhea. This will
be taken into consideration when doing a health check on children. Parents who would like for
their children to be offered over the counter medication for teething must have written
permission from the child’s health care professional.
Sanitizing of toys
Sanitizing
Infants love to explore items using all of their five senses, two of them being taste and touch.
During this age, infants are often placing items in their mouth for exploration. Any items that
have been mouthed will be taken once the child is done playing with it and placed in a bucket
away from the other children to be washed and sanitized. All items will be sanitized using the
recommended bleach water solution or ran through the dish washer. Toys will also be cleaned
and sanitized by the teachers weekly (or more often) to ensure the health and safety of the
children.
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Communication
We strive to have constant communication with parents and families. Each day teachers are
required to fill out a day sheet for your child that informs families on the events of the day,
feedings, diapering and napping. These sheets also contain a section for families to complete
on drop off times to let the teachers know what kind of night/morning the child had along with
when they were last fed and changed. This allows for the continued care of each child and the
flow of the day.
Personal Items
Please mark with your child's name clearly on all clothing and personal items brought to the
school. The school will not accept responsibility for broken, torn, or lost clothing, or personal
items. Any items left past July 31st of each year will be donated to a local charitable
organization.
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