Infant Care and Toddler Program | Columbia, MD
Research tells us that 90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life, making infant care and early child development critical for future success. These early years set the stage for your child's development, social skills, and so much more. If you're the parent of an infant or toddler, you've seen firsthand how rapidly they grow and change. That's why choosing the best learning environment matters so much - to ensure your child will thrive in school and beyond.
Infant and Toddler Program Enrollment
Ages Served
6 weeks to 2 years
Schedule Options
Full-time and part-time programs available
Hours
7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Is Potty Training Required?
No, our caregivers support families through every developmental stage
Curriculum Focus
Research-based curriculum emphasizing sensory play, language development, and social-emotional growth
Daily Routine
Individualized schedules for infants and structured routines for toddlers including circle time, outdoor play, and creative exploration
Classroom Experience
Low 3:1 student-to-teacher ratios with consistent caregivers who stay with children for their first two years
About Our Infant and Toddler Program
Columbia Academy provides a diverse and inclusive learning community brought together by the shared pursuit of an exceptional early childhood experience, which starts with our youngest learners in our infant and toddler classrooms. We recognize that a child's development strongly depends on their environment and interactions with the people around them. And we know that parents want nothing more than to give their babies and toddlers the best care and foundation for future success.
From 6 Weeks to 2 Years: Development Support for Every Stage
Our infant care and toddler programs provide responsive, individualized attention throughout each day. We implement research-based objectives for development and learning, offer a high level of personalized care, and engage young minds through play. Young children experience security and stability through routines, and we work with each family to ensure a seamless daily schedule that supports both home and school life.
Personalized Approach for Every Child No two babies develop the same way, and we pride ourselves on getting to know each child's unique strengths, interests, and needs. Our teachers and caregivers personalize their care to provide each child with meaningful experiences that support their individual development.
Hands-On Exploration and Pretend Play Sensory play and hands-on learning in a safe, opportunity-filled, responsive environment form the cornerstones of our infant and toddler program. As infants grow into toddlers, there's more open space to allow for their growing independence of movement, exploration, and creativity. Pretend play and dramatic activities become important tools for learning as children develop their imagination and social skills.
Safety & Quality Care Our infant and toddler classrooms remain clean, safe, and age appropriate. Each room gets thoughtfully organized to maximize each student's learning and is filled with engaging toys and learning materials. We also have designated playgrounds for infants and toddlers, plus buggies for outdoor strolls around our Columbia, MD campus.
Infant and Toddler Program Enrollment and Registration
Families can visit our campus year-round to explore how our approach supports each child's development. Our low student-to-teacher ratios mean spaces fill quickly, so we encourage early enrollment for families seeking quality infant care and toddler programs in Columbia, Maryland.
Why Families Trust Columbia Academy in Columbia
For over 30 years, families in Columbia and surrounding areas have chosen our infant and toddler program because of our commitment to consistent caregivers, our research-based curriculum, and excellent communication. Our easy-to-use app allows parents to stay connected throughout the day with photos, videos, and daily reports. Check our calendar of events to see upcoming open houses and special programs.
A Private School Serving Columbia, MD
Columbia Academy serves families throughout the Columbia area with convenient locations and flexible scheduling:
Discover how our approach can make a lasting difference in your child's life. Contact us today to learn more, schedule a tour, and become part of our vibrant school community.
A Day in the Life: Infant and Toddler Care
Wondering what your child's day will look like at Columbia Academy? For our infants, we work closely with parents to ensure our caregivers follow the eating, playing, and sleeping schedule that works best for their family. Our toddlers follow a more structured schedule, but there's still room for variance to meet each child's developmental needs. The following shows a sample schedule from one of our toddler classrooms:
7:00 - 8:30 Self-Directed Exploration When students arrive they get to acclimate by enjoying a time of self-directed exploration, moving about our centers and expressing what they're interested in for the day.
8:30 - 9:00 Morning SnackYoung learners need fuel for the day, so a morning snack gets enjoyed promptly. Eating with peers also provides an important opportunity for social and emotional development.
9:00 - 9:15 Diaper Changes and Handwashing Diaper changes and handwashing provide an important opportunity for teachers to connect with each student and teach them about health and hygiene.
9:15 - 9:30 Circle Time Circle time starts with an engaging story, and may touch on pre-skills for mathematics, science, technology, language, and literacy, depending on the day.
9:30 - 10:00 Special Class Students enjoy a different special class each day, introducing them to the arts, physical activity, language, and literacy.
10:00 - 10:15 Center Time Center time allows for additional self-directed exploration, and helps students learn to work both independently and collaboratively with friends.
10:15 - 10:30 Art and Sensory Exploration Art and sensory exploration becomes a favorite activity for toddlers. During this time they can get messy, express their creativity, and develop fine motor skills.
10:30 - 11:00 Outside for Play Time Whenever weather permits, we head outside for play time on our age-appropriate playgrounds. Students develop gross motor skills, as well as social emotional skills.
11:00 - 11:15 Diaper Change and Handwashing When students return to their classrooms, we re-acclimate with a diaper change and handwashing.
11:15 - 11:45 Music and Movement Music and movement time allows students to sing, dance, and explore a variety of instruments.
11:45 - 12:00 Story Time Story time - the benefits of reading aloud to young children cannot be overstated.
12:00 - 12:30 Lunch Lunch provides not only adequate nutrition, but another opportunity for students to connect with their peers and develop vital skills.
12:30 - 12:45 Diaper Change and Handwashing Each student gets a new diaper and has help washing their hands after lunch.
12:45 - 1:00 Story Time An additional story time helps students wind down for afternoon rest.
1:00 - 3:00 Nap Time Nap time remains so important for infants and toddlers, as their bodies and brains need to rest and recharge, which maximizes their learning.
3:00 - 3:15 Diaper Change and Handwashing As students wake from their naps, they have a diaper change and wash hands.
3:15 - 3:45 Afternoon Snack Afternoon snack gets much anticipated, and provides the energy needed to finish the day strong.
3:45 - 4:15 Center Time Center time allows students to express what they want to learn for the afternoon and move freely throughout the classroom.
4:15 - 4:45 Sunshine, Fresh Air, and Free Play Students head outside for sunshine, fresh air, and free play.
4:45 - 5:00 Story Time or Music and Movement This time gets utilized as either story time or a music and movement lesson.
5:00 - 5:15 Preparation for Dismissal In preparation for dismissal, students get diapered and assisted with handwashing.
5:15 - 6:00 Self-Directed Play As students wait for their parents to pick them up, they engage in self-directed play.
Columbia Academy Parent Reviews
"My son has been at Columbia Academy for 1 year and 7 months and we love the program. He has been with the same teacher since he started at 6 weeks old - this was one of the reasons we chose Columbia Academy. We feel very comfortable with his teacher and all the teachers in the preschool, as we know he receives continuity of care, love, and a quality education. We love receiving updates and photos daily on how our son progresses. We remain so very happy we chose Columbia Academy as a place for our son to learn and grow."
- Elias R.
Other Programs Available at Our Locations
Our preschool program builds on the foundation established in our infant and toddler classrooms, continuing to support each child's development through play-based learning and school readiness activities.
The transitional kindergarten program provides an extra year of preparation for children who would benefit from additional time to develop academically, socially, and emotionally before kindergarten.
Our kindergarten program offers a nurturing environment where children build essential academic and social skills for future success.
Elementary school students continue their educational journey with challenging academics, character development, and enrichment opportunities.
Our middle school program prepares students for high school success through rigorous academics and leadership development.
Before and after care provides safe, supervised care for school-age children outside regular school hours.
Other Programs Available at Our Locations
Our preschool program builds on the foundation established in our infant and toddler classrooms, continuing to support each child's development through play-based learning and school readiness activities.
The transitional kindergarten program provides an extra year of preparation for children who would benefit from additional time to develop academically, socially, and emotionally before kindergarten.
Our kindergarten program offers a nurturing environment where children build essential academic and social skills for future success.
Elementary school students continue their educational journey with challenging academics, character development, and enrichment opportunities..
Our middle school program prepares students for high school success through rigorous academics and leadership development.
Before and after care provides safe, supervised care for school-age children outside regular school hours.
FAQs
Our infant care program accepts babies as young as 6 weeks old. We work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition and provide the individualized attention each infant needs.
Schedule a Tour!
Discover how our approach can make a lasting difference in your child's life. Contact us today to learn more, schedule a tour, and become part of our vibrant school community. We look forward to showing you how our infant care and toddler programs support your child's development and future success.