Casa Feliz Curriculum – Casa Boto Rosa (3 to 15 Months)
At Casa Boto Rosa, our curriculum is inspired by Magda Gerber’s RIE® approach, emphasizing respectful, responsive care and trust in each child’s natural development. We provide a secure and nurturing environment where caregivers observe and support infants without interruption, allowing them to develop independently. Every caregiving moment is an opportunity for connection, and our daily flow is structured around the understanding that young infants thrive when their rhythms and cues are honored.
At Casa Feliz, we extend this philosophy by embracing the warmth and inclusivity of Brazilian and other Latin cultures, creating a home-like environment where children feel safe, valued, and loved. We believe in the power of relationships, fostering a deep sense of community among children, caregivers, and families. Our approach integrates language immersion in Portuguese, Spanish music, and storytelling, ensuring a rich cultural experience that supports emotional and cognitive development. Casa Feliz is not just a childcare space but a place where each child is seen as a unique individual, encouraged to explore, and given the time and space to grow at their own natural pace. We honor diversity, celebrate milestones with joy, and create meaningful connections that last beyond the early years.
Gallery:
1 Daily Flow & Routines
(A flexible schedule that follows the child’s natural rhythms and cues rather than imposing rigid timelines.)
Morning Arrival & Settling In (7:30 – 8:30 AM)
– A warm, unhurried welcome in Portuguese with gentle caregiver connections.
– Observing each child’s emotional and physical state to understand their needs.
– Open floor exploration with simple, natural materials to engage curiosity.
Nap Time (9:00 – 9:30 AM)
– Infants rest according to their individual needs.
– Gentle transitions to sleep with soft touches and soothing voices.
– Non-napping infants engage in quiet floor play.
Individualized Feeding & Caregiving Moments (8:30 – 9:30 AM)
– Bottle feeding is always done in the caregiver’s arms, following each baby’s hunger cues.
– Diapering is a moment of connection: making eye contact, speaking softly, engaging the baby.
– Dressing is an unhurried experience, allowing infants to participate in their own way.
Movement & Floor Exploration (9:30 – 10:30 AM)
– Free movement on padded floor spaces, ensuring uninterrupted exploration.
– Providing sensory-rich experiences: hanging mobiles, soft scarves, wooden rings.
– Tummy time is offered but never forced; infants decide how they engage with the movement.
Outdoor Time & Natural Exploration (10:30 – 11:00 AM)
Infants experience the outdoors daily, observing natural elements like trees, the sky, and wind.
Tactile engagement with grass, leaves, and other safe natural textures.
Secure outdoor time with blankets for free movement and sensory exploration.
Lunch & Rest Preparation (11:00 – 11:30 AM)
– Individualized feeding based on each infant’s cues and preferences.
– Slow and respectful transitions to sleep with soothing voices and soft touches.
– A sleep-conducive environment that aligns with each baby’s natural sleep needs.
Nap & Quiet Time (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM)
– Infants sleep according to their circadian rhythms, not on a fixed schedule.
– Gentle wake-ups that respect the child’s natural transition from sleep.
– Quiet floor play for infants who are awake and observing their peers.
Afternoon Wake-Up & Snack (2:00 – 2:30 PM)
– Gradual wake-ups with stretching and soft verbal acknowledgment.
– Bottle feeding or snack time is individualized based on hunger cues.
– Singing, lullabies, and one-on-one interactions to ease into wakefulness.
Sensory & Social Play (2:30 – 4:00 PM)
– Music and simple instruments encourage auditory and tactile exploration.
– Mirror play fosters self-awareness and curiosity.
– Respectful and engaged in one-on-one interactions with caregivers.
– Exploration of natural and simple materials: wooden rings, soft fabrics, and balls.
Closing & Parent Pick-Up (4:00 – 5:00 PM)
– Calm, slow transitions with reading, soft singing, and gentle cuddles.
– Individualized updates for parents on their baby’s experiences.
– Ensuring infants feel secure and at ease before leaving for the day.
2. Core Areas of Development
A. Free Movement & Gross Motor Skills
– Floor play encourages rolling, sitting, and crawling naturally.
– Safe, unrestricted movement spaces without walkers or propping.
– Trust in the child’s timeline, supporting self-initiated exploration.
B. Sensory Exploration & Cognitive Growth
– Engaging infants with natural materials that vary in texture, weight, and sound.
– Exploring objects in a way that allows for discovery (grasping, shaking, dropping).
– Providing cause-and-effect play experiences in a relaxed environment.
C. Attachment & Emotional Security
– A primary caregiving model ensures each infant has a consistent caregiver.
– Interactions are slow and respectful to build trust and connection.
– Narrating caregiving moments: “I am going to pick you up now.”
D. Language & Social Engagement
– Complete Portuguese and Spanish immersion through everyday interactions.
– Singing traditional Brazilian lullabies and simple songs.
– Describing actions, naming objects, and acknowledging infant sounds.
Parent Communication & Involvement
– Daily reflections are shared with parents to provide insights into their baby’s day.
– Monthly newsletters covering developmental milestones and caregiving tips.
– Encouraging continuity at home with Casa Feliz’s respectful care approach.
This curriculum ensures that Casa Boto Rosa remains a peaceful, respectful, and stimulating environment where infants feel secure, valued, and encouraged to explore independently at their own pace.
Location:
Infant House | 2131 Ne 95th Pl Portland OR 97220