Appletree’s Infant Program

Leaving your infant in someone else's care is one of the hardest decisions a parent makes. We don't take that lightly. Appletree's Infant Program pairs low caregiver ratios, a nurturing environment, and a genuine love for babies — so you can go to work knowing your child is truly cared for.

Schedule a tour of our infant classroom

Appletree’s Infant Program

Our infant classrooms cater to children from 6 weeks to 18 months, providing a calm and nurturing environment where routines are tailored to each child’s individual needs, cues, and developmental stage. We follow each infant’s natural schedule for feeding, sleeping, and play – never forcing a one-size-fits-all routine.

Our trained caregivers focus on building strong, trusting relationships with each baby, providing consistent comfort, affection, and reassurance throughout the day. Through gentle interaction, sensory exploration, and purposeful play, infants are supported as they grow physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

Two happy babies sitting on a play mat surrounded by toys in a playroom.

What Makes Our Infant
Program Special

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Individualized care that adapts to your baby’s schedule.

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Consistent caregivers who truly know your child.

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Safe, clean, and secure classrooms that meet all NJ state requirements.

Our Infant Curriculum

Appletree’s Infant Program follows a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum designed specifically for children from 6 weeks through 18 months.

Our infant curriculum focuses on the foundations of learning through responsive caregiving, sensory exploration, movement, music, and early communication. Rather than formal instruction, learning is woven naturally into daily routines and meaningful interactions, allowing infants to explore the world at their own pace while building essential early skills.

Our curriculum supports development across four key areas:

    • Exposure to language through songs, books, and caregiver conversation

    • Early awareness of numbers, patterns, and cause-and-effect

    • Exploration of objects to understand size, shape, texture, and sound

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    • Exposure to language through songs, books, and caregiver conversation

    • Early awareness of numbers, patterns, and cause-and-effect

    • Exploration of objects to understand size, shape, texture, and sound

Black-and-white photo of a basketball player in mid-air during a game, attempting to score with a basketball near the hoop.

    • Exposure to language through songs, books, and caregiver conversation

    • Early awareness of numbers, patterns, and cause-and-effect

    • Exploration of objects to understand size, shape, texture, and sound

A black outline of a young boy crouching down outdoors at night, near a fence, with trees in the background.

    • Exposure to language through songs, books, and caregiver conversation

    • Early awareness of numbers, patterns, and cause-and-effect

    • Exploration of objects to understand size, shape, texture, and sound

A black background with the text 'Take to the skies, no limits' in white.
A smiling toddler crawling on colorful foam playmat in a play area.

Our Daily Infant Curriculum in Action

While care and comfort are our top priorities, learning happens naturally throughout the day through music, movement, and exploration. Our caregivers intentionally support development by:

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Singing alphabet, number, and nursery songs

Providing daily tummy time and supported sitting

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Encouraging crawling, standing, and early walking

A checkmark inside a white circle on a black background.

Dancing and moving to music

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Offering age-appropriate sensory activities

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Introducing a variety of textures, sounds, and objects

Black check mark inside a white circle on a black background.
A young child with dark hair, wearing a navy blue and white striped outfit, is in a playroom holding a pink toy. The child is smiling with an open mouth and looks happy. In the background, there is another child sitting on a colorful play mat, surrounded by toys and shelves filled with toys and books.

Infant Developmental Focus

The milestones below highlight key developmental areas we support in our Infant classrooms. Children develop at their own pace, and our role is to encourage growth while honoring individuality.

    • Lifts and turns head

    • Responds to sounds and voices

    • Grasps fingers or objects

    • Makes cooing and gurgling sounds

    • Begins recognizing familiar faces

    • Develops stronger body and facial movements

    • Rolls over in both directions

    • Pushes up during tummy time

    • Sits with support

    • Brings objects to mouth

    • Responds to name

    • Begins eating solid foods (as appropriate)

    • Moves around in their own way (crawling, scooting, or rolling)

    • Pushes up to hands and knees

    • Sits independently

    • Picks up small objects

    • Imitates sounds and movements

    • Shows preference for familiar toys

    • Explores cause-and-effect through play

    • Pulls to stand and cruises along furniture

    • May stand independently

    • Uses simple gestures (waving, shaking head)

    • Babbles and attempts first words

    • Follows simple directions

    • Engages in interactive play

    • Walks independently

    • Stands confidently without support

    • Shows affection toward familiar caregivers

    • Uses simple words and gestures

    • Begins pretend play

    • Drinks from a cup and eats with a spoon

    • Demonstrates increasing independence

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See our classrooms, meet our educators, and experience the care that helps children thrive from the very start.