Infancy to Independence
Infancy to Independence a cooperative playgroup for families with children
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I-to-I a drop off day care?
What are my responsibilities in the co-op?
How do members handle disputes between children?
What if my child doesn't want me to go to discussion?
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No. I-to-I is a cooperative program for parents and their children. Parents stay with and are responsible for their own children except during "discussion time", when several parents take turns caring for all the children and the rest of the parents go to a discussion group.
Members take turns with various positions that include set up, clean up, leading circle and discussion time, and attendance at least one of the two scheduled meetings. All of the assistants periodically take a head-count of everyone present.
Members are asked to use a positive parenting approach, based on Dr. Tomas Gordon's "Parenting Effectiveness Training". Parents can help children recognize and express his/her feelings with out guilt using active listening, "I-Messages", and problem solving which involves the child in finding a solution.
Members recognize separation anxiety as a healthy sign of a strong bond between parent and child; but just as a deep parent-child attachment is good, so is a child's growth towards independence. If your child cries, an assistant will hold, comfort and try to entertain him/her. Should your child cry uncontrollably and refuse to be comforted, you will be called out of the discussion to consol him/her. When your child is calm you may return to the discussion group. This may happen as many times as is needed. If your child is under 1 year of age you may take your child into the discussion if you feel it is appropriate.
We invite any one who is interested in joining I-to-I to attend our playgroup first, to see if you and your child enjoy it. Once you have registered, if you decide to leave I-to-I prior to the second week of the semester, you will receive a full refund. Choosing to leave after the second week and prior to the third week will result in a 50% refund. After the third week no refund will be granted. In the event of unusual circumstances refunds may be granted at the discretion of the Program Coordinators.