VMCC Programs

Infant Rooms

We currently have 2 infant classrooms. There are up to 8 infants in each classroom. The infant rooms consist of a group of infants 6 weeks to 18 months old. The infant classrooms follow the primary caregiver system. Each caregiver is responsible for meeting the basic needs of the children assigned to each one of them. The primary caregiver system allows for building a strong bond between caregiver, child and parent. Young infants are learning to trust us and to feel valued and important. In order for this to happen the adults need to respond promptly, consistently, and lovingly to meet their every need. Babies learn how to treat others from the way they are treated; we continue to build on the positive experiences that the child has at home.

Language development begins at birth. The part of the brain that is used for language is most receptive in the first few years of a child’s life. The more you talk, listen, sing, repeat chants, and read books, the more language the child will understand.

Physical development is also very important in the early years. The caregivers in the infant rooms provide an environment where infants can reach out, crawl over, climb in, pull up, and jump. To develop small muscles, the teachers encourage the children to pick up finger food, fill containers, dump them out, stack blocks, etc.

Babies are building an understanding of what the world is all about as they watch, listen, taste, touch, and smell everything around them. We give them the opportunity to explore using their senses. Every day, as infants explore and play, they collect new information to add to what they already know. Little by little the child understands the world a little better.

Toddler Rooms

There are 3 toddler classrooms. There are up to 12 toddlers in each classroom. The rooms consist of a mixed age group of children 18 months to 3 years of age. It is important to recognize that each child is an individual. Some children in the toddler rooms are new to the center or have just transitioned from one of the infant rooms. For many of them, this is their first time being away from their family. Some may need support or comfort, and others may be so comfortable that they will wave goodbye and explore the classroom independently. They may also be a little afraid of new people and new faces. We at Virginia Marx Children’s Center, give children plenty of time to get used to their new environment. Toddlers are learning new words every day and may not have a wide vocabulary; therefore, they might have some trouble expressing their needs.

We encourage a lot of small group activities, for example, the sensory table is small, allowing for a maximum of four children to play at a time. Art activities are also done in small groups, only two at a time. Sometimes this might be difficult for the children, but it is important for a toddler to learn about patience. In a situation like this, we will redirect them to a different area while they are waiting their turn.

Our toddlers are building confidence and self-esteem. Because of different developmental levels, some children may need assistance with specific tasks. The teachers are always readily available to provide assistance, and positive reinforcement as needed.

Preschool Rooms

We currently have 3 preschool classrooms. There are up to 14 children in each classroom between the ages of 3 years to 5.9 years old. Most of our preschool children have developed a good sense of independence and are comfortable being away from home. However, some children may have trouble seeing their family leave and be sad. The teachers are very patient and help to make each child’s transition into their classroom a successful one.

Preschoolers love to work together as a team to get things accomplished, like cleaning the classroom or completing a project or activity. In our preschool classrooms, they learn to take turns, which is not always an easy thing to do. Sometimes they can become frustrated, but the teachers encourage and assist the children as they work through it. Preschoolers are, for the most part, independent and like to do things on their own. They serve their own meals, pour their own drinks, and clean up after they are done. They also love to learn new things are always busy absorbing lots of information. The teachers guide the children as they learn and explore in the preschool rooms.