Our infant programs serve children from 3 months - 19 months

Aleph and Bet

Our infant teachers are devoted to the care of your child. The youngest infants start off in Aleph, under the loving care of our highly skilled teachers. They eat, sleep, and play in a warm and comforting environment. Once they are able to walk independently, they move into Bet, where they build upon the social-emotional and physical skills they learn in Aleph.

Developmental Milestones and Teaching Goals From Ages 3 months - 19 months

From birth until 19 months, your child is going through a period of rapid physical and mental development. This is an abbreviated sample of some of the developmental landmarks your child will meet while in the classroom and at home. For more information about developmental milestones, visit the CDC's homepage for developmental milestones.

By 4 months:

Child will smile spontaneously at people, will begin to babble, and imitate sounds. Your child will respond to affection and enjoy play. Your child will be able to roll over from their tummy to their back and hold their head steady, when lying on their tummy, they will be able to push up their body to the elbow.

By 6 months:

Will be able to recognize when someone is a stranger, and will be able to recognize themselves in a mirror. The child will begin to make new sounds, such as consonants, and will string together vowel sounds. They will respond to their own name. Will be able to sit on their own, roll over in both directions, crawl forward, and may rock back and forth.

By 9 months:

Your child will develop favorite toys, and may seem clingy with favored adults, and afraid of strangers. Your child will understand the word "no." They will imitate many different sounds and gestures. Your child may be able to feed themselves appropriately sized foods, as they will have developed a pincer grip with their thumb and forefinger. Your child will be able to pull themselves to a standing position, and will be able to sit without support.

By 1 year:

Your child will have favorite things and people, may cry when you leave, or be shy or nervous around strangers. Your child will show that they want attention by repeating sounds, or by handing you a book or other toy. They may hold out an arm or a leg to assist with dressing. They will be able to respond to simple requests such as "hand me the ball," and will be able to wave hello or goodbye. They will try to say words you say, and may make exclamations such as "uh oh!" They will be able to recognize objects, and find hidden things. They will know how to use some objects correctly, such as a cup. They will explore things by shaking or banging. They may be able to stand or even take a few steps without holding on to an object or caregiver.

By 18 months:

Your child will often hand things to others, and may engage in simple pretend play. They will point to interesting things, and will explore by themselves, but will not stray too far from you or their caregiver. They will be able to say several simple words, and will shake their head and say "no," and will communicate their wants through gestures such as pointing. They will be able to scribble with a crayon, and know what many ordinary objects are for, such as a pot or a phone. They will be able to feed themselves with a cup and spoon, will be able to walk independently and may begin to climb stairs or run.