Infant & Toddler Childcare - Daycare in Waxhaw

During the infant years, your baby’s brain is developing rapidly. The Lighthouse BRIGHT® program has been formulated through research-based developmental theories embedded in every activity to build healthy brains. Higher-thinking skills are supported through a curriculum rich in language and tailored to your child’s individual needs to support a lifelong love of learning. This integrated approach will help your baby form critical thinking skills and build upon those skills as they grow.

6 Weeks – 6 Months

6 Months – 12 Months

12 Months – 18 Months

18 Months - 24 Months

6 Weeks – 6 Months

This curriculum has a balanced focus on academic, physical, social-emotional, language, and play-based development. Children explore early literacy, math, science, and social studies concepts while building independence, communication skills, and strong social connections. Hands-on learning, self-care routines, and engaging play experiences help prepare them for future success in school and life.

Physical Development

We are working on:

Gripping toys using fingers
Pushing up while lying on their tummy
Rolling from tummy to back
Holding their head steady when supported upright
Banging objects together using both hands

Social-Emotional Development

We are working on:

Smiling at people
Enjoying peek-a-boo and nursery rhymes
Turning towards familiar voices
Laughing and responding with delight
Observing and interacting with the people around them

Cognitive Development

We are working on:

Paying attention to faces
Using their mouth to explore objects
Responding to affection and familiar voices
Recognizing familiar faces and people
Watching and tracking movements

Language Development

We are working on:

Turning towards sounds and voices
Beginning to focus on body language
Beginning to babble
Responding to changes in tone
Expressing different emotions through different cries

6 Months – 12 Months

This curriculum supports well-rounded growth by blending academic foundations with essential life skills. Children build early literacy, math, science, and social studies knowledge while gaining confidence, improving communication, and learning to cooperate with others. Through creative play, hands-on exploration, and structured routines, they grow into capable, curious, and socially aware learners.

Physical Development

We are working on:

Rolling from back to tummy
Sitting up without support
Bouncing when standing on legs
Pulling to a standing position
Crawling with some assistance

Social-Emotional Development

We are working on:

Recognizing familiar faces and distinguishing them from strangers
Playing with others
Responding when playing games, like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
Responding to other people's emotions
Expressing distinct emotions

Cognitive Development

We are working on:

Looking around at things nearby
Showing curiosity about new objects and surroundings
Searching for an object that is partially hidden
Repeating actions to see the effect
Moving objects smoothly between hands

Language Development

We are working on:

Responding to sounds by making sounds
Attempting to communicate through sign language
Copying sounds made by others
Pointing at objects with fingers
Using one to two words with meaning

12 Months – 18 Months

This curriculum encourages deeper learning and independence as children build foundational academic and social-emotional skills. With a focus on literacy, math, science, and social studies, children also strengthen communication, motor skills, and peer relationships. Engaging activities and hands-on exploration foster curiosity, cooperation, and confidence in a supportive environment.

Physical Development

We are working on:

Walking independently
Climbing equipment with assistance
Turning pages of a board book
Using feet to propel a wheeled riding toy
Picking up small items with thumb and index finger

Social-Emotional Development

We are working on:

Pointing to objects to show interest
Expressing favoritism towards things or people
Handing a book to be read
Showing affection for familiar people
Exploring alone but staying near a caregiver/guardian

Cognitive Development

We are working on:

Finding hidden objects with ease
Following simple, one-step directions
Knowing what common objects are for
Pointing to and naming at least 3 body parts
Poking with index finger

Language Development

We are working on:

Responding to simple spoken requests
Using sign language to communicate needs
Saying "mama" and "dada"
Pointing to express needs
Trying to say words they hear

Self-Help Skills

We are working on:

Drinking from a sippy cup
Using a spoon
Helping undress themselves
Removing shoes and socks
Helping clean up when presented as a game

18 Months - 24 Months

This curriculum prepares children for the next stage of learning by reinforcing academic readiness, independence, and social skills. Children engage in writing, early math, scientific discovery, and social studies while developing clear communication, self-control, and cooperative behaviors. Through creative expression and structured play, they build the confidence and skills needed for a smooth transition into kindergarten and beyond.

Cognitive Development

We are working on:

Finding objects hidden under 2-3 layers
Sorting shapes and colors
Completing puzzles with 4 or more pieces
Following two-step instructions
Playing simple make-believe games

Self-Help Skills

We are working on:

Participating in dressing and undressing
Using a spoon to feed themselves
Cleaning up after mealtimes
Drinking from a real cup with little spilling
Expressing interest in toileting alone

Social-Emotional Development

We are working on:

Copying others, especially adults and older children
Adjusting to changes in routine with reassurance
Managing emotions, including temper tantrums
Playing beside other children
Taking turns during play

Language Development

We are working on:

Naming familiar people
Using words to express needs
Speaking in sentences of 2 to 4 words
Using 25-50 words
Holding a short conversation

Physical Development

We are working on:

Standing on tiptoes
Kicking a ball
Running with coordination
Climbing on and off equipment without assistance
Pedaling a 3-wheeled bicycle

Our Learning Pathways

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Growing Together: Parenting & Early Education Blog

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704-841-7777

Waxhaw@ChildrensLighthouse.com

9917 Rea Rd

Waxhaw, NC 28173

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Children's Ages

6 Weeks - 24 Months

2 - 5 Years

Kindergarten - 12 Years

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5:30PM