Curriculum
Fine Motor Development
Gross Motor Development
Fine Motor Development
Between 6 and 12 months, infants are developing increasing control of their hands and bodies. The classroom offers simple, developmentally appropriate materials such as ring graspers, wooden blocks, and other hands-on materials. Babies practice reaching, grasping, transferring from hand to hand, and releasing objects into containers. These experiences strengthen coordination and support the development of grasping skills.
Sensorial Exploration
Gross Motor Development
Fine Motor Development
The sensorial area invites infants to explore the world through touch, sight, and sound. Materials include textured fabrics, objects of varying sizes, simple ring stackers, rattles, and visual mobiles. Through experimenting with cause and effect, babies refine their senses and deepen their understanding of their environment.
Gross Motor Development
Gross Motor Development
Gross Motor Development
Our infant classroom is thoughtfully designed to support early movement such as rolling, crawling, sitting, pulling up, and standing with support. Because most infants at this age are not yet walking, the environment meets each child exactly where they are—offering ample space to move freely while developing core strength, balance, and coordination at their own individual pace.
Language Development
Independence and Self-Confidence
Gross Motor Development
Language in the Nido environment is rooted in rich, respectful interaction. Teachers speak clearly, narrate daily routines, name real objects, sing simple songs, and read picture books to introduce new vocabulary. Babies are surrounded by meaningful conversation and authentic language, supporting early babbling, imitation, and communication long before words fully emerge.
Object Permanence
Independence and Self-Confidence
Independence and Self-Confidence
Understanding that objects continue to exist even when unseen is a significant developmental milestone. The classroom incorporates Montessori permanence boxes and drawers that allow infants to drop an object and watch it reappear. Through repetition, babies develop memory, logical thinking, and delight in discovering cause and effect.
Independence and Self-Confidence
Independence and Self-Confidence
Independence and Self-Confidence
Infants thrive when they are trusted to participate in their own experiences. Low shelves, child-sized furniture, and thoughtfully chosen materials allow babies to explore safely and make simple choices. These early opportunities foster self-confidence, persistence, and joy as children begin to recognize their own capabilities.
Following an Early Work Cycle
Following an Early Work Cycle
Following an Early Work Cycle
Even our youngest infants are capable of meaningful, focused activity. In the Nido classroom, babies are gently introduced to an early work cycle that honors their natural rhythms. A small selection of engaging materials are placed on shelves, allowing infants to explore one activity at a time, repeat actions they enjoy, and experience satisfaction through discovery and completion.
Socialization
Following an Early Work Cycle
Following an Early Work Cycle
The Nido classroom supports early social and emotional development through consistent routines and responsive, nurturing caregiving. Infants begin to observe and interact with a small group of peers, experience gentle social exchanges, and form strong, trusting relationships with their teachers. This secure foundation helps babies feel safe, connected, and confident as they become comfortable in a group setting outside the home.
Nap Time
Meals and Feedings
Meals and Feedings
Our Nido program honors each child’s individual sleep needs by providing two daily naps in a calm, restful environment. Infants are placed on their backs to sleep in a crib with a firm mattress and an empty sleep space free of loose items, in accordance with safe sleep guidelines. Teachers closely observe each baby’s cues and follow individualized sleep routines, ensuring naps are safe, peaceful, and responsive to the needs of each infant.
Meals and Feedings
Meals and Feedings
Meals and Feedings
Feeding in the Nido is individualized and guided by each infant’s unique needs and routines. Families provide breast milk and/or formula and share feeding schedules and preferences so teachers can respond consistently.
Brightwheel
Meals and Feedings
Brightwheel
At CWMS, we prioritize keeping parents of our Nido Class connected to their little ones' daily experiences through Brightwheel. Brightwheel provides real-time updates on key aspects such as naptime—including when they fell asleep and how long they slept—diaper changes, feeding times, and/or snacks they ate. These updates help parents cater to their child's needs effectively, fostering a strong partnership between home and school.
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