Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Why Early Starts Matter
The earliest years of life lay the foundation for everything that follows—cognitive growth, emotional resilience, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Research shows that children’s brains develop more rapidly from birth to age three than at any other stage. During this time, high-quality early childhood experiences are proven to significantly influence academic readiness, language development, and social skills.
At Strelitz International Academy (SIA), we believe these critical years shouldn’t be spent in simple supervision. Instead, they should be filled with nurturing care, meaningful experiences, and intentional exploration. Our Infant & Toddler Program provides exactly that—an environment where curiosity is encouraged, individuality is honored, and learning happens naturally through play, connection, and discovery.
2. Care From 6 Weeks: Support for New Parents
SIA supports families from the very beginning, welcoming infants as young as 6 weeks old. We understand that returning to work and choosing care for your newborn is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. That’s why our program focuses on safety, bonding, and communication.
Infants experience:
- Consistent caregivers who build trusting relationships
- A calm, sensory-rich environment
- Individualized feeding and sleep routines
- Close communication with parents through our secure app
- Warm, responsive interactions proven to support early brain development
By offering high-quality care from the earliest stages, SIA becomes an extension of your family—providing peace of mind and a caring partnership throughout your child’s first years.
Read more: Signs Your Toddler Is Ready For Daycare
3. Play-Based Learning for Infants and Toddlers
Play is the language of children, even before they can talk. At SIA, every moment—from tummy time to outdoor exploration—is part of our intentional, play-based curriculum. Our educators create experiences that nurture curiosity while supporting developmental milestones at each stage.
Infants engage in sensory play, early communication interactions, and gentle motor development activities. Toddlers begin exploring a wider world through dramatic play, music, art, hands-on discovery, and outdoor learning.
This approach encourages:
- Early language development
- Spatial awareness and motor skills
- Emotional expression
- Social interactions
- Problem-solving and imagination
Play at SIA is purposeful, joyful, and grounded in best practices for early childhood learning.
4. Whole-Child Development Approach
Our Infant & Toddler Program focuses on the whole child. This means we nurture cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and emerging independence skills equally. Teachers observe each child closely, adjusting experiences to their needs and interests.
Key components include:
- Language and communication: singing, reading, baby signs, conversation-rich routines
- Fine and gross motor development: sensory play, climbing structures, outdoor exploration
- Social-emotional growth: bonding with caregivers, learning routines, navigating big feelings
- Cultural and community values: kindness, respect, and positive interactions
By prioritizing the whole child, SIA builds confident, capable learners who feel safe, seen, and supported.
5. Smooth Transition From Infant to Toddler Program
Change can be challenging—so we make transitions smooth, predictable, and child-centered. When children are developmentally ready, they move from the Infant classroom to the Toddler Program with the support of familiar caregivers.
Transitions include:
- Gradual visits to the new classroom
- Introductions to new teachers and routines
- Continued family communication
- Adjustments to sleep, feeding, and play schedules
Our goal is to help your child feel secure every step of the way while maintaining continuity in care, relationships, and learning.
6. Why Hampton Roads Families Choose SIA
Families across Hampton Roads choose SIA because of our unmatched combination of nurturing care and academic excellence. Unique advantages include:
- IB® early childhood framework, supporting global-minded learning from the start
- Highly trained early childhood educators
- A safe, secure facility with modern classrooms and an enriching outdoor space
- Strong parent communication and community involvement
- Jewish values taught through kindness, empathy, and respect—welcoming families of all backgrounds
- A seamless path from infancy through elementary school in one trusted community
Parents often tell us they appreciate SIA’s blend of warmth, structure, and high educational standards—starting from day one.
7. Value and Budget-Friendly Long-Term Benefits
Choosing high-quality early education is one of the most meaningful long-term investments a family can make. SIA’s Infant & Toddler Program provides value far beyond childcare, offering lifelong advantages:
- Better school readiness and stronger academic outcomes
- Early development of problem-solving, independence, and confidence
- Reduced need for later academic interventions
- A consistent school community from infancy through elementary
- Stability for working parents
By selecting an intentionally designed learning environment rather than a traditional daycare, families receive both high-quality care and long-lasting educational benefits.
8. Enrollment Steps and What Parents Should Know
Enrollment in SIA’s Infant & Toddler Program is simple, but space is limited due to our small class ratios. Families are encouraged to begin the process early.
Steps to enroll:
1. Schedule a tour to visit our campus and classrooms.
2. Meet with our admissions team to discuss your child’s needs and explore available scheduling options.
3. Complete the online application.
4 . Submit supporting documents and required forms.
5. Once accepted, finalize your enrollment agreement and secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our curriculum includes sensory exploration, early communication, motor development, music and movement, outdoor play, and nurturing routines that support emotional and cognitive growth.
SIA provides individualized learning and an IB® early childhood framework, not just supervision. Children experience a structured, developmentally rich program led by trained educators.
Children may enroll starting at 6 weeks old and continue through age 2 before entering our Early Years Program.
Yes. Our Toddler Program supports children who are developmentally ready for increased independence, movement, and exploration. The Toddler Program begins at 16 months old.
Daily activities include sensory play, story time, outdoor learning, art, early language interactions, music, tummy time, fine-motor activities, and age-appropriate routines.
Transitions happen gradually, with classroom visits, flexible scheduling, and communication between teachers and families to ensure comfort and continuity.
Parents can begin enrollment by scheduling a personal tour and completing the online application.
