Appletree’s Pre-K2 Program
Appletree’s Pre-K 2 (ages 2½–3½) offers a creative, structured program that balances learning with play, curiosity, and individual growth.
Our Pre-K2 Program
At this stage, children are becoming more verbal, independent, and curious about the world around them. Our Pre-K 2 classrooms focus on building early academic foundations, strengthening social-emotional skills, and encouraging independence through consistent routines and purposeful learning experiences.
Our Pre-K 2 teachers and assistants work closely with each child to support cognitive, language, physical, and creative development in a warm, encouraging classroom setting.
What Makes Our Pre - K2
Program Special
A calm, nurturing environment where babies receive personalized care, consistent support, and gentle early learning.
A balanced blend of play-based learning and early academics.
Focus on early literacy, math concepts, and fine motor skills.
Support for independence, including bathroom routines and self-help skills.
Continued emphasis on social skills, manners, and patience.
Safe, engaging classrooms that meet all NJ state requirements.
Introduction to structured group activities and classroom routines.
Our Pre K-2 Curriculum
Appletree’s Pre-K 2 curriculum is developmentally appropriate and intentionally designed to prepare children for the next stage of preschool learning while keeping curiosity and creativity at the center.
Through hands-on activities, teacher-guided instruction, small group work, and purposeful play, children begin to build academic readiness and confidence.
Our curriculum supports growth in the following areas:
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Recognizing and verbally identifying upper- and lowercase letters
Exposure to letter sounds through songs, stories, and conversation
Naming objects and characters in books
Asking and answering simple questions about stories
Expanding vocabulary and sentence structure
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Counting, number recognition, and early number sense
Sorting, classifying, comparing, and identifying patterns
Identifying shapes and colors
Completing simple puzzles
Following two-step directions
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Practicing patience, sharing, and turn-taking
Using manners during play and group activities
Expressing thoughts and needs verbally
Developing confidence in group settings
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Strengthening gross motor skills through movement and outdoor play
Developing fine motor control through drawing, cutting, and manipulatives
Learning proper pencil and marker grip
Understanding left-to-right progression in early writing activities
Learning Through Play & Structure: Our Toddler Curriculum in Action
Children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and participate, while still receiving the structure and guidance they need to feel confident and successful.
Throughout the day, children engage in activities that support learning and independence, including:
Teacher-led circle time and group discussions.
Literacy and math-based learning centers.
Storytime with comprehension discussions.
Art and creative expression.
Movement and outdoor play.
Support for bathroom independence.
Opportunities for imaginative and pretend play.
Pre-K 2 Developmental Focus
The milestones below highlight key skills supported in our Pre-K 2 classrooms. Children develop at different rates, and these benchmarks help guide instruction and individualized support.
- Understands simple stories
- Responds to simple directions
- Names objects in books
- Groups objects by category
- Completes simple puzzles
- Tells others what they are doing
- Counts “1–2–3”
- Begins identifying colors
- Knows own gender
- Is potty trained or showing readiness
- Walks, runs, and begins jumping with both feet
- Pulls or carries toys using both hands
- Stands on tiptoes
- Climbs furniture or playground equipment
- Walks up stairs with support and may alternate feet
- Pulls pants up and down
- Turns faucet on to wash hands
- Builds block towers of four or more blocks
- Practices snapping and zipping
- Holds crayons or utensils using fingers
- Brushes teeth with assistance
- Understands familiar people, objects, and body parts
- Repeats words and phrases
- Asks simple questions (“why,” “what’s that?”)
- Begins using pronouns and plurals
- Is understood by unfamiliar listeners most of the time
- Follows two-step directions
- Engages in pretend play
- Uses language to create simple storylines
- Takes on roles and characters during play
Preparing for the Next Stage of Preschool
The Pre-K 2 years are an important time for building confidence, communication skills, and early academic foundations. Our goal is to help each child feel capable, curious, and ready for the next stage of preschool learning.