Nanny Sam - Infant Care

05/11/2026

01/15/2026

Reviews from care.com

12/02/2025

Baby S is going to be a Big Sister soon!
Preparing for a newborn and 2 year old that share a space and Mrs. Sam!

06/19/2025

Pre-toddler vibes 💓

03/24/2025

The beginning of the new Nanny Sam Nursery
🩷🧡💛💚🩵💜

03/19/2025

In early childhood education, understanding "synapses," the connections between brain cells, is crucial because these connections are formed and strengthened through experiences, impacting learning and development. Repeated experiences, particularly those involving play, are key to ensuring that children develop the right neural pathways for future learning and success.

Synapses and Synaptogenesis:
Synapses are the connections between neurons (brain cells) that allow them to communicate.

Synaptogenesis is the process of forming new synapses, and it's particularly rapid during early childhood.
A baby's brain is born ready to learn, with brain cells reaching out and making neural connections with each new experience stimulated by their environment. These connections are called synapses, and as they are stimulated repeatedly, they become "hardwired".

Synaptic Pruning:
After a period of rapid synapse formation, the brain starts to remove synapses that are not being used, a process called synaptic pruning.
Synapses that are used regularly are strengthened, while those that are less active are weakened and eventually pruned. Early synaptic pruning is influenced by genes, while later pruning is influenced by experiences.

The Importance of Early Experiences:
The first few years of life are a critical period for brain development, during which the brain is exceptionally malleable and responsive to experiences. Experiences and relationships stimulate children's development, creating millions of connections in their brains.

Parents and other adults who interact with children must provide opportunities for active hands-on experimentation, exploration, discovery, and questioning.

They should also build strong, supportive relationships with children that reflect love, unconditional regard, acceptance, respect, and genuine interaction.

How to Support Synapse Development:
Provide a stimulating environment: Offer a variety of experiences, including play, exploration, and interaction.

Encourage active learning: Allow children to explore, experiment, and learn through hands-on activities.
Promote language development: Talk to children frequently and engage them in conversations.

Support social-emotional development: Encourage sharing, taking turns, and reading books about emotions.

02/26/2025

Life long bonds. I'm so grateful that we got to spend time together again I love you guys. Jenna Tabolt and my not so little Ms. N. 💓

05/12/2024

Research shows that most pediatric medical fear and anxiety is due to unfamiliarity with medical procedures or equipment.

By teaching kids with age-appropriate materials, and allowing them to learn about and process their medical care through play, we CAN prevent trauma and stop the cycle of bad medical experiences increasing future fear and anxiety.

09/02/2023

Ever evolving. This little one is getting so big. Creating an environment that grows with her.

04/14/2023

Pre toddler space, what!? Time flies when you're having fun.