Where Safety, Attachment, and Wonder Begin

At Connections Early Learning & Childcare Centre in downtown Calgary, our Infant Program provides warm, high-quality care for children ages 12 months to 18 months. This tender stage of development is full of rapid growth, big emotions, and meaningful first discoveries—and our infant environment is designed to support each child with safety, warmth, and deep connection.

A Calm, Responsive, Relationship-Based Approach

Infants learn best when they feel secure, loved, and understood. Our educators build strong, responsive relationships through gentle care routines, consistent interactions, and close connection. We follow each child’s natural rhythms, cues, and needs—ensuring they feel safe, soothed, and supported throughout the day.

Our approach blends attachment-based caregiving with elements of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and play-based early learning, creating a nurturing environment where infants can explore confidently and grow at their own pace.

A Beautiful, Safe, and Purposeful Environment

Our infant classroom is intentionally designed with natural materials, soft lighting, and calm colours to support a peaceful sensory environment. Open spaces allow for safe crawling, cruising, climbing, and exploration. Carefully selected materials support key developmental milestones, including:

• Fine and gross motor skills
• Early language and communication
• Sensory exploration
• Social and emotional connection
• Curiosity and problem-solving

Every detail of the room is crafted with safety, comfort, and emotional well-being in mind.

Supporting Early Communication

Communication begins long before spoken words. Our educators support early language development through:

• Infant sign language
• Songs, stories, and rhymes
• Responsive conversation
• Emotional labeling and co-regulation
• Gesture and facial expression mirroring

These experiences strengthen connection, early vocabulary, and emotional awareness.

Respectful Care Routines

Care routines are learning experiences. During feeding, diapering, dressing, and transitions, educators slow down, connect, and involve each child with respect. This approach builds trust, autonomy, and a strong sense of self.

Infants are encouraged to participate in their care, make simple choices, and develop early independence in a safe, unhurried way.

Social-Emotional Foundations

Our infant program places strong emphasis on early social-emotional development. Infants learn how to:

• Feel safe and connected
• Regulate emotions with support
• Build trust with caregivers
• Form early friendships
• Explore with confidence

Through consistent guidance and nurturing relationships, children build the foundations for lifelong resilience.

Exploration, Play & Discovery

Infants are naturally curious. Our educators offer open-ended, developmentally appropriate experiences that encourage discovery and exploration, including:

• Sensory and tactile play
• Nature-based experiences
• Music, rhythm, and movement
• Early art exploration
• Loose-parts play
• Mirror play and body awareness activities

Every experience supports the whole child—emotionally, socially, cognitively, and physically.

Growing with Love, Safety & Purpose

At Connections ELCC, we believe infants are capable, curious, and full of potential. Our Infant Program supports children 12 to 18 months with nurturing relationships, responsive care, and rich early learning experiences that help them feel safe, connected, and ready to explore their world.

With a beautiful environment, intentional practice, and warm educators, we give infants the strongest foundation for future growth—emotionally, socially, and developmentally.