Meet the Staff:

Tammy Mazur - I have been at St. Ambrose since September 2005. Before starting at Saint Ambrose, I worked for 4-years at another early childhood center here in Minnesota. I have also worked at centers in Illinois and Florida. I have been working in the early childhood field for about 11 years, working with various age groups, but I really enjoy working with toddlers. I am a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a BS in Child and Individual Development. While at NIU, I met my husband Kurt, and now have 2 boys - Clayton and Colby.

Cathy Vomastek  - I have been at Saint Ambrose since March 2008. Before coming to Saint Ambrose I ran my own licensed home daycare business for 20 years. I am a graduate of Mankato State University with a degree in Park and Recreation. My husband John and I have six children and recently a beautiful new grandson. We have been parishoners of Saint Ambrose since it started in Woodbury. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with our "big" family, as well as biking, taking our dog "Jack" for walks, reading, and spending time outside in our yard.

Overview

Because we love each and every wonderful baby, our infant staff is highly trained and full of experience! They have additional, on-going training in areas such as SIDS, shaken baby, meeting nutritional needs, creating stimulating environments, sensory stimulation, developmental needs and first aid/CPR. Our infant staff also understands the importance of individualized care and go above and beyond to ensure each baby feels loved and accepted. Each baby is always held during bottle feedings, and guaranteed a clean, warm crib when sleepy.

Infant Program

• Serves infants 8 weeks – 12-months
• Hours are from 6:30 AM until 6:00 PM (with a 10-hour limit on the day)
• Our infant Room is staffed with two teachers, one full time aide and one part-time aide. Infant – Teacher Ratio is 1:4. Maximum group size is 8 infants.
• The Daily Schedule is structured in a manner that allows for parent and teacher input to best meet the individual needs of each infant throughout the day.
• Parents and Teachers communicate pertinent information regarding their infant’s day through Daily Notes.
• Baby sign language is used throughout the day and included in Monthly Newsletters for parent information and use.
• Nap Area is in an enclosed area attached to the classroom and is monitored closely by the staff.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences are held twice and year. Additional conferences can be scheduled as needed.
• The Saint Ambrose of Woodbury Early Childhood Education Center is on the National School Lunch Program and does provide Iron-fortified Advanced Similac and Iron-fortified Isomil Soy Formula for infants enrolled in the program. We also provide Rice and Oatmeal Cereal and jar food. As infants are ready and able, finger food is also introduced and provided upon parent approval. Expressed breast milk will be given to infants when it is provided in pre-filled, labeled, and dated bottles.
• Families need to supply diapers, wipes and ointment, as well as bottles, nuks, extra changes of clothing, and extra blankets.

Infant Curriculum

• Infants all develop at different rates and their needs vary depending on where they are at in their development growth. At the Saint Ambrose ECEC, we work with the individual infant and provide activities to help them with each developmental milestone, as they are ready. We do this through:

• Small muscle activities (holding objects, tracking toys, feeding themselves, reaching for things)
• Large muscle activities (rolling over, crawling, walking, playing with balls, sitting/standing, using push/pull toys)
• Social activities (interacting with other infants, teachers, parents, Family Events)
• Spiritual growth (songs, stories, actions)
• Intellectual growth (Infant sign language, verbal language, reading stories, singing songs, building with blocks, talking, interacting)
• Emotional growth (meeting the needs of each child, providing security, building trust, creating a caring, nurturing Christian environment)

Infant (“Bumblebees”) Program Daily Schedule

(Please note: this schedule allows for flexibility so that we are able to meet the needs of each infant. Each day may vary from the printed schedule).

6:30-9:00 A.M. = Arrivals/greetings, feeding times, play time, diapering

9:00-10:00 A.M. = Active play, sensory experiences, music, walks, naps

10:00-11:00 A.M. = Snack/meal times, play time, napping, diapering

11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. = Lunch/meal times, diapering, play time, stories

12:00-1:30 P.M. = Play/outside time, music/stories, napping, diapering

1:30-3:00 P.M. = Napping, play time, snacks, feeding times, diapering

3:00-6:00 P.M. = Large muscle room time, stories, music, diapering, departures