Starfish Classroom
Starfish Classroom (10 weeks through 24 months)
Teachers Carol and Sandra provide care that is inspired by the RIE approach, developed by Magda Gerber, one of the pioneers of Infant and Toddler “educaring.” Our infants are treated with respect and recognized as capable, competent learners from birth. Teachers build trusting relationships by responding to each child's cues, communicating with the children during caregiving routines, and involving them as active participants in daily experiences such as diapering, feeding, and dressing. These routines are viewed as valuable opportunities for connection rather than tasks to be completed quickly.
The classroom environment is calm, predictable, and thoughtfully prepared with simple, open-ended materials that encourage exploration without overstimulation. Infants are given uninterrupted time to move freely, investigate their surroundings, and engage in self-directed play at their own pace. Rather than placing infants in equipment that restricts movement or directing their play, the teachers observe carefully, provide encouragement, and step in only when support is needed.