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.
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.
What Makes Our Infant
Program Special
Individualized care that adapts to your baby’s schedule.
Consistent caregivers who truly know your child.
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:
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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
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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
-
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
-
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
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:
Singing alphabet, number, and nursery songs
Providing daily tummy time and supported sitting
Encouraging crawling, standing, and early walking
Dancing and moving to music
Offering age-appropriate sensory activities
Introducing a variety of textures, sounds, and objects
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.
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
Ready to Begin Your Appletree Journey?
See our classrooms, meet our educators, and experience the care that helps children thrive from the very start.