Appletree’s Toddler Program
Appletree’s Toddler Program is designed for children ages 18 to 30 months and supports the important transition from infant care into a more structured, engaging daily routine.
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 while navigating 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
What Makes Our Toddler
Program Special
A calm, nurturing environment where babies receive personalized care, consistent support, and gentle early learning.
A consistent daily routine that builds confidence and security.
Gentle guidance for independence and self-help skills.
Age-appropriate social experiences with peers.
Supportive potty training when children show readiness.
Safe, engaging classrooms that meet all NJ state requirements.
Intentional language-rich environment to support communication.
Our Toddler Curriculum
Appletree’s Toddler Program follows a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum designed to support toddlers as they move from parallel play toward early social interaction, communication, and independence.
Learning is hands-on, active, and built into everyday experiences. Through structured routines, guided play, music, movement, and sensory exploration, toddlers begin to understand expectations, express themselves, and engage meaningfully with their environment.
Our curriculum supports growth in the following areas:
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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
Learning Through Everyday Moments: Our Toddler Curriculum in Action
Toddlers are gently guided—not rushed—toward independence while always receiving reassurance and support. Our caregivers intentionally support development by:
Using rich language and conversation during all routines.
Singing alphabet, number, and movement songs.
Providing daily sensory experiences (such as sensory tables)
Encouraging independence with self-help skills.
Offering art activities like finger painting and scribbling.
Supporting early social skills through group play.
Beginning potty training when children show readiness.
Toddler Developmental Focus
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.
- 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
Building Independence with Confidence
The toddler years are full of growth, curiosity, and big feelings. Our role is to provide a supportive environment where children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and develop independence, while families feel confident and informed every step of the way.