Blue Door: Infants & Toddlers
Our Infant & Toddler Classroom
Welcome to Blue Door
A uniquely designed space for children ages birth – 30 months
This classroom focuses on the development of safe and secure attachments. Inspired by Montessori practices, educators nurture children’s sense of belonging through individualized care, emphasize language development, and create a space ready for play. Infants enjoy a dedicated play space to ensure safe exploration and close supervision.
Child Development Teacher: Alexandria Lashley-Jefferson
Email: alashley@missouri.edu
Classroom Phone: (573) 882-8368
A flexible daily rhythm
Classroom Schedule
The Infant schedule is thoughtfully designed around each child’s individual routine. Educators partner closely with families to support home schedules within the classroom environment. Sleeping, eating, and play times are responsive and flexible, allowing each infant’s day to unfold in a way that best meets their unique needs.
The Toddler schedule is thoughtfully designed to provide predictability while remaining flexible to support children’s evolving interests and developmental goals. Educators create a consistent daily rhythm that includes engaging provocations, outdoor exploration, and family-style meals. This balanced approach helps toddlers feel secure and confident as they build independence, explore their environment, and strengthen emerging social skills.
Where curiosity drives discovery
Our Curriculum
CDL utilizes the Project Construct Curriculum in all classrooms. This research-based constructivist framework focuses on hands-on, child-led learning and aligns with the Missouri Early Learning Standards (MELS). Educators seek to engage, inspire, or challenge children through dynamic project-based work. Drawing on the principles of Piaget and Vygotsky, children build knowledge through interaction, experimentation, and guided problem-solving. All activities are designed to foster independence, grow curiosity, and develop critical thinking skills through robust play-based learning.
Learning through play and discovery
Exploration in Action
Hands-On Discovery
Children practice fine motor skills and explore the natural world by chiseling and melting materials frozen in ice. Armed with sponges, spoons, and paint brushes, children will experiment to free these treasures. A fun activity that encourages persistence, engages the senses, and promotes critical thinking this activity is perfect for the young scientist. Missouri Early Learning Standards: Approaches to Learning, Physical Science, Physical Development.
Mindful Movement
Get ready. Get set. Stretch! Children work to enhance their balance and flexibility through guided yoga poses. Calm music and natural light inspire children to grow not only their core muscles, but to develop the skill of regulated breathing. Toddlers will work on building body awareness through fun creative movement. Missouri Early Learning Standards: Physical Development, Social-Emotional Development.
Meals
Infants
Families of infants are asked to provide their child’s meals, formula, and/or breast milk. The CDL recognizes the importance of breastfeeding and fully supports nursing caregivers. Families may choose to provide breast milk, nurse in the classroom, or use our dedicated lactation lounge. Our program also supports baby-led weaning, encouraging independence and the development of fine motor skills.
Toddlers
Toddlers enjoy seasonal menu items served family-style. With a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, children are encouraged to explore a variety of flavors and textures. Whenever possible, produce and herbs from the children’s garden are incorporated into their meals.
Teachers
Child Development Teacher
Alexandria Lashely-Jefferson
Child Development Associate
Sherona Lewis
Child Development Associate
Sarah Noonan