Angelfish & Dolphins
The Model School School Infant Program is located in the infant annex: a converted house separated from the main building with a gated entrance on Telegraph Ave. There are two separate classrooms in the annex: the Angelfish and the Dolphins. ​Each classroom holds 8 infants with 3 teachers per room. The Angelfish is for infants 3 months to approximately 15 months. The Dolphin classroom is for infants who are walking confidently and on a one nap schedule. Infants transition out of the infant annex on their 2nd birthday.​The Infant Program is rooted in the RIE philosophy which holds the core belief of respecting the growth and development on the infant.
TRUST IN THE INFANT’S COMPETENCE
We hold a deep belief that infants are excellent communicators and are naturally eager to learn. We trust that they have the capacity to communicate their needs while also finding ways to practice and express independence through play and exploration.
ENGAGED OBSERVATION
Our teachers learn the infant communication styles through respectful and mindful observations backed by years of experience, training and education working with infants and their families. Observation supports the teachers ability to adjust the care plan in ways that best meets the growing needs of the infant.​
CAREGIVING THAT INVOLVES THE CHILD
During all caregiving activities, such as diapering, feeding, dressing, we encourage even the youngest infant to become an active participant. Our belief is that these activities should be done with the child's full awareness and participation.
SAFE AND OPEN ENVIRONMENT
At TMS, we have created an environment in which the child is confident that they can do all their exploration safely and with engagement from the teaching team. The more predictable an environment is, the easier it is for babies to relax and deeply engage in their self initiated learning. As infants become more mobile and transition to the Dolphins classroom they are given more opportunities to express their growing need to challenge their mobility.
TIME FOR UNINTERRUPTED PLAY
AND FREEDOM TO EXPLORE
​We believe in the importance of uninterrupted play. We believe in infants' ability to engage in well-designed environments to promote their natural growth and development. We don't believe infants need to be "taught" through teachers'-directed activities. However, the teachers are heavily engaged in the children's interests and natural curiosities.​​
CONSISTENCY AND ROUTINE
​​We establish clearly defined routines as the infants grow within our program. This consistency supports the development of confidence and independence.
​​
The Model School prides itself for having over 100 years of combined teaching experience in their infant program.