Infant Program

From birth, infants show a wide variety of physical, social and emotional abilities. They begin by smiling, cooing, and gaining control of their hands and feet. Soon they are pulling, reaching, and responding to familiar sounds. Changes take place rapidly at this young age, and that is why it is so important for your infant to be in a program that will foster and encourage their individual development. Apple Tree Children's Centers uses an individualized infant program called Creative Curriculum® that will meet each child's needs.

The Creative Curriculum® is a high-quality early childhood program that promotes healthy development which leads to positive outcomes for the infant children and their families. This program was designed especially for infants and young toddlers and it has more than 19 years of research and field testing. Our teachers use this program to enhance infant development and strengthen bonds between the infant and caregiver. The program consists of age-appropriate activity cards and materials that allow each teacher to use inventive ideas and activities that will enhance each infant's individualized needs. At Apple Tree Children's Centers, we believe that babies learn in several ways: discovering and exploring their world around them, imitating what others do, repeating and practicing actions and words, and receiving nurturing from others. Our infant program offers a unique blend of all of these activities, which allow infants to develop at their own level of achievement and growth.

In addition to the daily interactions in our centers, the teachers use a variety of communication tools in our infant classrooms. It is important for our parents and teachers to communicate openly about your child's day. We have also developed "daily notes" as a written communication tool between you and your child's primary teacher. Our parents are free to write any pertinent information that you would like to share about your child's day on this sheet to ensure proper communication. Our teachers document diaper changes, naps and feedings. This form goes home with you every evening so that you have peace of mind knowing what your baby did during their fun day at Apple Tree Children's Centers.