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Infant
Toddler Long Range Curriculum Plan
Our program is based on accepted theories of child
development. The program is individualized to meet the
needs of each child.
The physical environment is safe, healthy, and arranged
in a warm, home-like setting. Children are free to move
about the environment exploring areas of interest. Outdoor
play is an essential component of the program and provides
rich experiences for infants and toddlers.
Language skills are enhanced by group times, story
telling, flannel board activities, music and movement,
finger play, and open-ended conversations. Activities and
group meetings focus on sharing feelings and getting along
with others. Parent conferences are held and notes are
sent home regularly.
Our teachers have specialized training and respect all
children in a warm and caring way.
Philosophy
We respect parents as the primary and
most important providers of care and nurturing. We believe
parents and teachers are partners in their child’s care
and education.
The philosophy of the Infant Toddler
Program is to provide a secure, home-like environment
where infants and toddlers feel free to explore and
discover. Our professional staff serve as positive role
models who provide developmentally appropriate toys and
activities to enhance the child’s fine and gross motor
skills, language development, and social and emotional
growth.
Staff Bios
Peggy Lee
Ristas -
Peggy is the Early Childhood Educator II (Head Teacher) of
the Infant/Toddler Program. Peggy holds a Bachelors
degree in speech pathology and audiology from City College
of New York. She joined the full time staff in September
of 1987 as an assistant preschool teacher and was promoted
to infant/toddler head teacher in March of 1992. She was
recognized as the Infant/Toddler Teacher of the Year for
the Hartford region by the Hartford Area Child Care
Collaborative and serves as a trainer for the Creative
Curriculum.
Elyse
Carroll -
Elyse joined the Windsor Discovery Center full time staff
in October of 1983. She is an Early Childhood Educator I
in the Infant/Toddler program. Elyse holds a Bachelors
degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern
Connecticut State University.
Mary Vaca
-
Mary is a full time Educator in the Infant/Toddler
Program. She holds a Bachelors degree in Biology and a
Masters in Education. She taught high school science and
later taught nursery school at Saint Gabriel’s School for
many years. Mary joined our permanent staff in December
of 1997.
Afternoon Staff
Aleasha Macklin –
Aleasha joined our
Infant/Toddler afternoon team in August 2008. She is a
senior at Windsor High School and is enrolled in child
development classes. She plans to pursue a degree in
Early Childhood Development after high school.
Peggy Lee Ristas
- Peggy is the lead Early Childhood Educator of the
Infant/Toddler Program. Peggy holds a Bachelors degree
in speech pathology and audiology from City College of
New York. She joined the full time staff in September
of 1987 as an assistant preschool teacher and was
promoted to infant/toddler head teacher in March of
1992. She was recognized as the Infant/Toddler Teacher
of the Year for the Hartford region by the Hartford Area
Child Care Collaborative and serves as a trainer for the
Creative Curriculum.
Barbara Higgins –
Barbara is the
assistant teacher in the Montessori Toddler program and
also works in one of the Montessori after care
classrooms as well as the Infant/Toddler Room. She
holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development
and Family Relations from UCONN. Barbara worked for
three years as a preschool teacher before starting her
own family. She was new to our teaching team for the
2005/2006 school year.
Kristen Pietraroia -
Kristen currently works in our Infant/Toddler program as an assistant
teacher. She joined our teaching team in 2003. Kristen
will also substitute as needed in our other programs at
the Center.
Elyse Carroll
- Elyse joined the Windsor Discovery Center full time
staff in October of 1983. She is an Early Childhood
Educator in the Infant/Toddler program. Elyse holds a
Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from
Eastern Connecticut State University.
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