Infant and Toddler Activities

Infant and Toddler Activities 1. Infants and toddlers shall be free to creep, crawl, toddle, and walk as they are physically able. a. Cribs, car seats, and high chairs are to be used only for their primary purpose, i.e. cribs for sleeping, car seats for vehicle travel, and high chairs for eating. b. Providers should limit the use of equipment such as strollers, swings, and bouncer seats/chairs for holding infants while they are awake. c. Providers should implement activities for toddlers and preschoolers that limit sitting or standing to no more than 30 minutes at a time. d. Providers should use strollers for toddlers and preschoolers only when necessary. 2. Infants and toddlers shall be taken outdoors every day, weather permitting. 3. For infants who cannot move about the room, caregivers shall frequently change the place and position of the infant and the selection of toys available, and the child shall be held, rocked, and carried about. 4. Television viewing, including video tapes and/or electronic media, is not allowed for children under the age of two or for staff in the infant and toddler area. The playing of soothing music in the infant and toddler area is acceptable. 5. Television viewing, including video tapes and/or other electronic media, cell phone, or other digital media, e.g., computer, iPad®, iTouch®, etc., for children, age two and older, is limited to one hour per day, must be of educational content and a scheduled part of the approved daily plan of activities posted in the facility. The use of an “audio player” to play music is acceptable. 6. In half-day programs, television viewing, including video tapes and/or other electronic media, cell phone, or other digital media, e.g., computer, iPad®, iTouch®, etc., for children, age two and older, is limited to 30 minutes per day, must be of educational content and a scheduled part of the approved daily plan of activities posted in the facility. The use of an “audio player” to play music is acceptable. 7. Television viewing by staff is not permitted in areas occupied by children except for the purposes as described in item 5 and 6, above.