Quick Facts

  • Ages: 2 months - 2 years
  • Hours: 7:30am to 5:45pm
  • Staff-to-child ratio: 1 to 4
  • Enrollment capacity: 12
  • Lunch and snacks served daily

Director: Melissa Wilson

3149 Waverley Street
(650) 424-9130

Mini Infant Center (MINI)

Mini Infant Center (MINI) provides developmentally based childcare for 12 infants and toddlers. MINI follows the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy and methods, allowing infants and toddlers to freely explore within their own boundaries in a safe and natural environment. The program's five educarers provide a safe and consistent environment for children to develop trust, confidence and independence.

Philosophy

Developed in 1978 by Magda Gerber, the philosophy encourages caregivers to respect each child's individuality and to provide the child with space, time and support to be him/herself and to discover the world in his/her own way. Educarers provide consistency for children by setting boundaries and communicating expectations.

Educarers involve children in all caregiving activities (including diaper changing, eating and napping) that allow the child to be an active participant rather than a passive recipient.

Mini Infant Center Activities

Based on the RIE philosophy, we encourage children to explore independently in an unbiased setting.

The program encourages free-play in a safe environment; one that allows children to freely explore with one another and with the toys and structures around them. Children are also offered a wide variety of activities in which they can participate including music appreciation, art projects, field trips to local parks, sensory experiences (playdough, sand, water), cognitive activities (puzzles, books), fantasy play, and gross motor activities (large outdoor play structures).

Parent Information and Participation

Parents are always welcome at MINI. We encourage families to build relationships with one another and with the staff. Regular family gatherings are planned to foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for socializing. Our parent group is always very supportive of the program by organizing family get-togethers, helping with laundry and offering a helping hand around the center.