Program Philosophy

In the FHNP Infant and Toddler program, we strive to provide consistent loving caregivers who will care for your child by building a relationship based on responsive, respectful care.  We believe that regular assessments and daily communication with parents will give you the information you need each day to share in your child’s growth and development.

Respect in Caregiving

​Caregivers can show respect to all children in their care, including infants and toddlers.  We show respect by listening to your child’s needs and responding to them promptly, by talking to your child about what is happening around her including during caregiving routines, and by investing in quality time spent with your child.  Our caregivers will take time to learn your child’s unique ways of communicating and will build reciprocal back and forth communication with your baby or toddler through warm and supportive verbal and nonverbal interactions.

Classroom Environment

​We believe that a home-like environment will provide the best start for your baby or toddler.  Our  program features three infant groups and two toddler groups designed with spaces for exploration and discovery.  Before they are mobile, babies can explore interesting objects with tummy time on the carpet and in the arms of their caregivers.  As young children begin to develop mobility, they can explore different surfaces and materials in the classroom.  Caregivers will set up the environment to provide safe spaces for your child to interact with natural objects and appropriate toys to learn about the world around them.  

Time Outside

At Forest Hill Nature Preschool and Childcare, we believe that all children thrive when they have regular opportunities to spend time outside each day.  We believe that your infant or toddler needs time outside too.  Breathing fresh air, getting exercise, and exploring the many sights, sounds, and textures of the natural world is part of our daily experience.  We provide a fenced toddler playground, and our site offers land for exploration on the grass, mulch, and sand.  Our building is conveniently located across the street from a portion of Harford County's beautiful Ma and Pa walking trail, and our caregivers can take the children on stroller walks  through the woods.

Building a Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers

A curriculum for infants and toddlers is not a plan for activities, crafts, or games.  It is a plan for Caregiving.  Our curriculum for your child will focus on the relationship that is built between the caregiver and child during everyday routines.  We believe that your child will learn trust when her needs for food, rest, diapering and play are met in a responsive way each day.  We believe that it is important for your child’s caregiver to get to know your child and your family to provide care in a way that respects your family’s values and beliefs.

​What equipment is the best for your baby or toddler?  We believe that items in your baby’s environment must be safe to touch, and we want to provide toys, equipment and materials  that can be used in many ways.  Babies and toddlers need lots of time and space to explore with their senses, and need to experience items in the real world, rather than through screen-time.

We believe that a home-like environment will provide the best start for your baby or toddler.  Our program features three infant groups and two toddler groups in classrooms designed with spaces for exploration and discovery.  Before they are mobile, babies can explore interesting objects with tummy time on the carpet, on the soft padded mat and in the arms of their caregiver.  As young children begin to develop mobility, they can explore different surfaces and materials in the classroom.  Caregivers will set up the environment to provide safe spaces for you child to interact with natural objects and appropriate toys to learn about the world around them.  Caregivers will use observation of the children to plan activities and play experiences to support their development in each of the following domains:  Personal and Social Development, Language, Cognitive, and Physical Development.  FHNC staff will use Healthy Beginnings: Maryland's Guidelines for Health Child Development and Care for Young Children to create a curriculum for our infants and toddlers that helps all children grow through fun, developmentally appropriate activities.