PARENT TESTIMONIAL

I have 2 girls at Bent Tree Child Development Center. One is almost 4 and the other is almost 2. They have both been enrolled since they were 18 months. I have observed their classes on numerous occasions and I have never seen a more caring, engaging environment. The teachers work with the children on both a group and an individual basis meeting all of their learning needs, and the hugs and smiles are endless.

Prior to Bent Tree the girls were at a different school but I knew I wanted to move them to an environment that would constantly engage them in learning. I could tell immediately a change in their attitudes and overall demeanor. They were happy, talking about what they did at school, who they played with and singing songs... all of which I did not see prior to their time at Bent Tree. The time spent at Bent Tree has helped my oldest daughter with her confidence as a student, her skills at being independent in a classroom setting and her ability to succeed. My girls have been exposed to many different experiences while at Bent Tree. The school has great play areas, both inside and out, computers and several things, like dance and gymnastics, for the kids to participate in. In addition, the children are exposed to a variety of cultures and age groups.

We found a home away from home for our girls. What more could you ask for – a group of people to love your children and help them grow and learn. I would recommend anyone send their child to Bent Tree. I know that every school may not be right for every child, but Bent Tree was perfect for us!

Bent Tree Parent

Baby Signs®

The Baby Signs® program is a natural baby sign language that allows infants and their parents or caregivers to use simple signs to communicate important things (like being hungry or thirsty, hot or cold, afraid or sad), often a full year before babies could otherwise talk. Two decades of research has demonstrated that the Baby Signs® program has dramatic benefits, including decreasing frustration for babies and caregivers, enriching the parent-child bond, boosting emotional development, helping babies talk sooner, even raising IQ.

10 Steps to Baby Sign Success

Start with just a few signs. Choosing a few means you, as well as your baby, are more likely to remember them. “Eat,” “drink,” and “more” are good starter signs.
Always use the sign and the word together. Seeing the sign and hearing the word together helps your baby make the connection.
Repeat the sign and the word. Be sure your baby is watching, and then quickly repeat the sign and word combination several times.
Point when possible. If the sign you’re using stands for an object, point to the object while saying the word and making the sign.
Guide your baby’s hands. If you feel it necessary, gently guide you baby’s hands, but don’t expect perfection. Babies’ motor skills are limited.
Make signing a part of your daily activities. Add reminders of the signs you are teaching to your daily routine (i.e., a rubber duck in the bath tub or flower stickers on your baby’s high chair).
Watch for opportunities. Be on the lookout for things to talk about with signs. More examples mean faster learning.
Be flexible. The sign doesn't have to look exactly right for you to understand what your baby is trying to communicate. Be sure to watch for your baby’s own creations.
Be patient. The younger your baby, the longer it will take to learn a sign.
Make signing fun. Encourage your baby often. Have fun together and enjoy the magic that using baby signs will bring.