Parent Guide
The jump from infant care to toddler care is bigger than it sounds. Different needs, different rhythms, different ways of measuring a good day.
Infant care is about relationships and rhythms. Babies need a small number of consistent caregivers, predictable response to their cues, and lots of one-on-one time. The "curriculum" at this age is feeding, sleeping, comforting, talking, reading, and the slow build of trust.
A good infant room is quiet, calm, and individualized. Each baby has their own feeding plan, their own nap schedule, and their own pace.
Toddler care looks completely different. Toddlers walk, run, climb, talk, throw, and want to do everything themselves. They thrive with predictable routines but need real freedom to explore within those routines.
A good toddler room is busier than an infant room — but the structure is still child-led. Big-motor play, music, books, sensory bins, art, and constant rich conversation are the building blocks of language and learning at this age.
Most schools transition children from infant to toddler around the first birthday — but the timing should be developmental, not just calendar-based. Signs your child is ready:
A good school will partner with you on the timing. Some children move up at 11 months; some are happier in the infant room until 14 or 15 months. There's no wrong answer.
At Marietta Academy, both rooms are bilingual (English and Spanish), DECAL Quality Rated, and led by caregivers trained in infant and toddler development. See our infant program → or see our toddler program →
Visit Marietta Academy
Reading helps. Visiting helps more. Free 30-minute tours Monday – Friday at 444 Pat Mell Rd W, Marietta GA 30060.