The Marin Infant Center provides care for 17 children ages 3 months to 2.9 years in a home-like atmosphere. Our caregivers are loving adults able to comfort an unhappy child, build a consistent and trusting relationship and guide the child through the developmental steps appropriate to this age group.

By maintaining a ratio of no more than four children to each adult, that adult becomes the primary caregiver to those children. In this way, a special bond can be created between child and caregiver, based on closeness, affection and personal knowledge about this child as a unique individual.

We believe in providing a range of interactions, including one-to-one learning opportunities, small group activities and special larger group activities – all of which help to foster a beginning sense of community. Our play space offers a variety of textures, structures and challenges, and our versatile play materials are designed to stimulate the child’s motivation to learn and explore.

We have a special area in which the children can work quietly with age-appropriate material and with adult guidance available only to help the child avoid excessive frustration. In addition, there is a separate infant space available to allow the infant privacy, to prevent over-stimulation and to promote exploration.

Toilet training is based on each child’s understanding and readiness. The adults encourage the child to participate in the mastery of this important developmental milestone.

Our nutrition program emphasizes freshly prepared food served family style with consideration given to the learning opportunities and social values of the eating experience.