Care that changes as your child grows
The needs of a three-month-old are very different from the needs of a three-year-old. Our programs gradually move from individualized infant routines toward greater independence and group participation.
Infants
Individual care during your baby's earliest months
Our Infant Program is built around comfort, consistency, and close attention to each baby's individual routine. Teachers follow home feeding and sleeping schedules as closely as possible and communicate throughout the day through Procare.
Feeding & Bottles
Breast milk is stored in the refrigerator. Bottles are individually labeled, warmed, documented through Procare, and returned in the child's diaper bag after use. Families provide milk, formula, bottles, and food until their child has been cleared by a pediatrician to begin eating foods provided by HCA.
Allergy Awareness
Important allergy information is posted in classrooms and the kitchen so teachers, kitchen staff, and other team members are aware of documented food allergies. Physician instructions are reviewed by staff and kept on file.
Sleep
Infants follow their individual sleep schedules rather than a single classroom nap time. Babies are placed on their backs for sleep and checked regularly.
Helping Babies Adjust
When appropriate, HCA may recommend beginning with a few shorter days and gradually increasing the child's time at the center.
Moving to Step-Up
Children generally begin transitioning to Step-Up once they are walking and have transitioned to a two-nap routine.
Introducing food one step at a time
Beginning at approximately six months, HCA provides two house-prepared purée experiences each day, one fruit and one vegetable, when the child is developmentally ready and the family has received pediatrician clearance.
Fruit Purée Rotation
Vegetable Purée Rotation
Organic whole-grain baby cereal and oatmeal may also be offered as appropriate.
Step-Up
A gradual bridge from individual care to greater independence
At HCA, we believe children should move into more structured classroom routines when they are developmentally ready, not simply because they reach a certain age. Step-Up provides a gradual transition between the individualized pace of the Infant Program and the increased structure of the Toddler Program.
Room to grow at their own pace
Children typically enter Step-Up as they become confident walkers and are ready for greater independence. Outside of circle time and the natural routines of meals and rest, the classroom remains intentionally flexible. Children have plenty of time to play, explore, move, and rest at their own pace.
Preparing for the Toddler classroom
Over time, teachers gently introduce the skills that help children succeed in the Toddler classroom, including participating in group routines, following simple directions, sitting for longer activities, eating together family-style, sleeping on mats, and becoming more independent. The goal is a steady, comfortable transition that respects each child's individual development.
Learning to Eat Independently
Children are introduced to spoons and encouraged to begin feeding themselves. Teachers sit with them and provide support as they transition from bottles and purées to table foods.
Rest
Step-Up children sleep on mats during rest time. Teachers help children settle and may sit beside them or gently pat them when additional comfort is needed.
Toddlers
More independence, more communication, and plenty of room to explore
As children enter the Toddler Program, teachers begin encouraging greater independence throughout the day. Children are given simple responsibilities, offered age-appropriate choices, and encouraged to participate more actively in classroom routines.
Social Development
- Sharing
- Waiting
- Communicating needs
- Playing alongside others
- Working through frustration
- Participating in group activities
Toilet Learning
HCA works with families when a child begins toilet learning. Once a child has had approximately three successful days using the toilet at home, parents can provide underwear and teachers will continue supporting the process at the center.
Outdoor Time & Rest
Toddlers generally receive approximately two hours of outdoor time during the day. Their regular rest period is approximately two hours.
A familiar routine with flexibility for each age
HCA is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Most children arrive around 8:00 a.m., although families may arrive at different times throughout the morning.
Morning Arrival
Teachers help children settle into the classroom while continuing to engage children who have already arrived.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served at a consistent time across the classrooms.
Classroom Activities
Age-appropriate play, books, music, movement, sensory activities, and teacher-guided experiences.
Outdoor Time
Classes generally go outside twice a day. When weather prevents outdoor time, classrooms can be rearranged for active indoor play.
Meals & Snacks
Meals and snacks are generally served approximately every 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Rest & Bedding
Infants nap according to their own schedules. Step-Up and Toddler children generally rest from approximately 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. HCA launders family-provided bedding.
Hygiene
Diapers are generally changed every two hours and additionally as needed. Children's hands are washed after diaper changes and before and after meals.
Dinner
Dinner is provided for children who are still at the center near the end of the day.
Pickup
Teachers can update parents about how their child's day went and share anything important the family should know.
Schedule options for working families
Tuition is based on the selected schedule rather than the child's age.
Specific part-time days are selected during enrollment based on classroom availability. Tuition is billed through Procare on the 14th of each month for the following month. Families provide personal supplies such as diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, bedding, and other child-specific items. A one-time enrollment fee equal to one month's tuition is due at enrollment.