Big feelings. Bigger curiosity. At Appletree Preschool, our program for children ages 18 to 30 months blends gentle structure with plenty of room to explore, create, and connect — so your child grows with confidence, and you drop them off with peace of mind.

Appletree’s Toddler Program

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Our Toddler Program

At this stage, toddlers are discovering their independence, developing language rapidly, and learning how to interact with others. Our program provides the right balance of predictable routine, guided exploration, and nurturing support, helping toddlers feel confident as they navigate big emotions and new skills.

Our trained caregivers create a warm, encouraging environment where toddlers are supported as they grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically—always at their own pace

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What Makes Our Toddler
Program Special

A calm, nurturing environment where our toddlers receive personalized care, consistent support, and gentle early learning.

A consistent daily routine that builds confidence and security.

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Gentle guidance for independence and self-help skills.

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Age-appropriate social experiences with peers.

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Sensory and hands-on play that supports early development.

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Safe, engaging classrooms that meet all NJ state requirements.

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Intentional language-rich environment to support communication.

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Our Toddler Curriculum

Appletree Preschool's Toddler Program is designed to meet the whole child — blending early academics, social-emotional learning, and hands-on exploration into every part of the day.

Toddlers learn through doing. Structured routines, music, movement, sensory play, and guided activities work together to build language, communication, and early cognitive skills — while also helping children develop confidence, self-regulation, and the ability to connect with others.

Our curriculum supports growth in the following areas:

    • Following simple directions and routines

    • Early problem-solving and cause-and-effect exploration

    • Matching words to pictures, objects, and actions

    • Introduction to colors, shapes, letters, and numbers through play

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    • Learning to express emotions appropriately

    • Practicing patience, turn-taking, and simple manners

    • Developing early peer interactions and group awareness

    • Building confidence through independence and choice

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    • Encouraging verbal communication to express needs and ideas

    • Expanding vocabulary through conversation, songs, and books

    • Supporting gestures, signs, and early words

    • Understanding simple instructions and familiar phrases

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    • Gross motor growth through climbing, running, and active play

    • Fine motor development through art, sensory play, and manipulatives

    • Coordination and body awareness through music and movement

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Our Toddler Curriculum in Action

Toddlers ages 18–30 months are gently guided toward independence while always receiving the reassurance and support they need. Our teachers intentionally build learning into every part of the day by:

Using rich language and conversation throughout routines to build vocabulary and communication.

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Singing alphabet, number, and movement songs.

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Encouraging independence with self-help skills.

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Introducing early concepts like colors, shapes, and counting through activities and play.

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Supporting early social skills through group play.

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Offering creative expression through art, finger painting, and scribbling

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Providing daily sensory exploration through sensory tables, textures, and hands-on materials

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    • Follows simple directions

    • Engages in early pretend play (e.g., feeding a stuffed animal)

    • Identifies basic body parts

    • Connects spoken words to pictures and objects

    • Reacts to familiar songs and stories

    • Explores cause-and-effect

    • Finds hidden objects

    • Shows interest in potty training

    • Walks independently and confidently

    • Demonstrates balance and coordination

    • Pulls or carries toys while walking

    • Climbs furniture or playground equipment

    • Walks backward or attempts to do so

    • Begins removing simple clothing items

    • Helps put toys and materials away

    • Drinks from a sippy cup

    • Uses a spoon to self-feed

    • Develops pincer grasp using thumb and finger

    • Points, pokes, and pinches objects

    • Places items into and out of containers

    • Scribbles with thick crayons or markers

    • Turns pages in a book

    • Babbles with increasing intention

    • Recognizes familiar names and common objects

    • Uses sounds or words to express emotions

    • Understands simple commands such as “stop”

    • Points to communicate wants or needs

    • Uses “no” verbally or through gestures

    • Participates in music and movement through gestures or dancing

    • Enjoys repetition of favorite songs and musical experiences

    • Uses instruments to explore rhythm and sound

    • Engages in short group singing or music activities

    • Shows preference for certain colors, pictures, or materials

The milestones below highlight common skills we support in our Toddler classrooms across cognition, language, social-emotional growth, and motor development. Every child develops at their own pace, and our caregivers use these milestones to guide daily activities and individualized support.

Toddler Developmental Focus

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