Infant Daycare Curriculum in Jersey City (0–18 Months)

Early Learning for Infants and Waddlers

The first 18 months are all about connection, comfort, and rapid development. At Early Beginnings, our Infant and Waddler program supports social, sensory, and early communication skills through gentle routines, music and movement, and responsive caregiver interaction — giving children a secure foundation and helping families feel confident from day one.

What Early Learning Looks Like at 0–18 Months

In the earliest stages of development, learning happens through safe exploration, repetition, and connection. Our Infant and Waddler classrooms support social development, early communication, and motor skills through music, movement, sensory experiences, and responsive interaction — all within a steady daily rhythm that helps children feel secure.

(0–12 months)

Infant Curriculum

Warm routines, responsive care, and purposeful stimulation

Our infant program keeps babies engaged with nursery rhymes, finger plays, lullabies, baby sign language, and interactive games like peek-a-boo, supporting early social and communication development. Infants also work on fine and gross motor development daily.

(13–18 months)

Waddler Curriculum

More independence, more exploration, same nurturing support

As children transition into the waddler stage, the day becomes more exploratory and interactive. Waddlers build early independence and confidence through play-based learning that supports social-emotional growth, early communication, and motor development, all within consistent classroom routines.

Our Infant Curriculum Prioritizes:

In our Infant and Waddler classrooms, learning is built into the day through repetition, interaction, and guided play. Children are supported as they develop:

Early communication

through songs, key words, baby sign language, and daily language exposure

Social Development

through safe peer interaction, responsive caregiving, and predictable routines

Fine + gross motor skills

with daily age-appropriate activities, movement, and floor play

Curiosity and problem-solving

through sensory bins, hands-on projects, and early exploration

A closer look at our daily learning blocks

Circle Time Foundations

Introduces early concepts like shapes, colors, numbers, weather, and routines through simple, guided group interaction.

Language & Communication

Builds early communication skills through songs, repetition, baby sign language, and exposure to both English and Spanish.

Sensory Exploration

Encourages curiosity and brain development through hands-on play with textures, materials, and age-appropriate sensory experiences.

Art & Early Discovery

Supports creativity and coordination through simple art, craft, and early science activities designed for young learners.

Creative Movement

Strengthens gross motor skills, balance, and body awareness through guided movement, music, and active play.

Social & Emotional Growth

Early social development through peer interaction, caregiver guidance, and consistent, reassuring daily routines.

Nutrition Support

OPTIONAL MEAL SERVICE

Healthy routines include nutrition. Families can opt into meal service with LovEat For You, which provides plant-forward meals cooked from scratch with no processed food, preservatives, or artificial flavoring.

See the Infant & Waddler classrooms in person

If you’re looking for infant daycare in Jersey City that combines nurturing care with real early learning, we’d love to show you around. Schedule a tour to learn more about our program, daily routines, and availability.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What parents usually want to know

What do infants actually learn in daycare?

Infants learn through sensory play, language exposure, movement, and responsive interaction. Activities like music, baby sign language, floor play, and guided routines support early brain development, communication, and motor skills.

Is daycare beneficial for babies under 1 year old?

Yes. High-quality infant daycare supports early social development, emotional security, and cognitive growth through consistent routines, caregiver connection, and age-appropriate learning experiences.

How does play-based learning support infant development?

Play-based learning allows infants and waddlers to explore their environment through touch, movement, and repetition. This approach supports brain development, problem-solving, coordination, and early communication in a natural, engaging way.

What is the difference between infant and waddler programs?

Infant programs focus on responsive care, sensory engagement, and early communication, while waddler programs introduce more exploration, peer interaction, and independence — all while maintaining consistent routines and close caregiver support.

How do caregivers support language development at this age?

Language development is supported through songs, repetition, daily conversation, baby sign language, and exposure to multiple languages. These experiences help children build early communication skills long before verbal speech emerges.

How do you support social and emotional development for infants?

Social-emotional development is supported through consistent routines, responsive caregiving, and guided interaction with peers. These experiences help children build trust, emotional regulation, and early social awareness.

Are meals provided for infants and waddlers?

Families may opt into an organic meal program featuring cooked-from-scratch, plant-forward meals designed to support healthy growth and daily routines.

How does daycare help prepare children for toddler and preschool programs?

Early routines, group interaction, communication skills, and guided learning experiences help infants and waddlers transition smoothly into toddler and preschool environments with confidence and familiarity.