How to Tour a Daycare: 10 Questions to Ask in Philadelphia

Returning to work after having a baby is one of the hardest transitions parents face. Finding the right infant and toddler daycare in Philadelphia can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

Whether you have a newborn, a crawling infant, or an energetic toddler, ENLA Learning in Fishtown provides the loving, nurturing care your little one deserves while you're at work.

This comprehensive guide will help you:

• Understand what to look for in infant and toddler daycare

• Learn about developmental milestones for ages 0 to 3

• Discover why ENLA Learning is Philadelphia's top choice for babies and toddlers

• Get answers to your most common daycare questions

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Why Quality Infant and Toddler Care Matters

The first three years of life are the most critical period for brain development. During this time:

• 1 million neural connections form every second

• 85% of brain development happens by age 3

• Language skills explode from babbling to full sentences

• Attachment patterns form that affect relationships for life

• Physical milestones progress from immobile newborn to running toddler

The environment matters. High-quality infant and toddler daycare provides:

• Responsive, nurturing caregivers

• Developmentally appropriate activities

• Safe, stimulating environments

• Consistent routines

• Language-rich interactions

ENLA Learning creates this optimal environment for Philadelphia's youngest learners.

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Infant Care at ENLA Learning (6 Weeks to 18 Months)

Why Parents Choose Our Infant Program

Leaving your baby for the first time is emotional. Parents choose ENLA Learning because we offer:

1. Experienced Infant Care Specialists

• All caregivers are CPR and First Aid certified

• Trained in infant development and safe sleep practices

• Background-checked and cleared by PA DHS

• Nurturing, patient, and responsive to infant cues

2. Low Teacher-to-Infant Ratios

• 1 teacher per 4 infants (exceeds PA requirements)

• Ensures individualized attention

• Allows for responsive, attentive care

• Builds secure attachments

3. Individualized Care Plans

Every infant is unique. We honor your baby's:

• Feeding schedule (breast milk, formula, or solids)

• Nap routine (we follow your baby's cues)

• Comfort preferences (pacifier, lovey, rocking)

• Developmental pace

No rigid schedules. Your baby's needs come first.

4. Daily Communication

Stay connected throughout the day with:

• Real-time updates on feeding, diapering, and naps

• Photos of your baby's activities

• Daily reports shared digitally

• Open communication with caregivers

You'll never wonder: "How is my baby doing?"

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What Your Infant Experiences Every Day

Morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM):

• Warm greetings and individualized hellos

• Diaper changes and feeding on demand

• Sensory exploration (soft toys, textures, music)

• Tummy time for motor development

Mid-Morning (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM):

• Morning naps (individualized based on sleep cues) • Gentle wake-ups with songs and cuddles • Language-rich interactions (books, talking, singing) • Outdoor time (weather permitting)

Afternoon (12:00 PM to 3:00 PM):

• Feeding and diaper changes

• Afternoon naps

• Sensory play (water tables, textured bins, mirrors)

• Movement activities (crawling, standing, cruising)

Late Afternoon (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM):

• Wake-up and diaper changes

• Final feeding before pickup

• Calm, soothing activities

• Warm handoff to parents with daily recap

Infant Milestones We Support (6 Weeks to 18 Months)

2 to 4 months:

• Physical: Head control, reaching

• Cognitive: Tracks objects, responds to sounds

• Social-Emotional: Smiles, coos, recognizes caregivers

4 to 6 months:

• Physical: Rolls over, sits with support

• Cognitive: Explores with hands and mouth

• Social-Emotional: Laughs, shows preferences

6 to 9 months:

• Physical: Sits independently, crawls

• Cognitive: Object permanence, imitates sounds

• Social-Emotional: Stranger anxiety, attachment

9 to 12 months:

• Physical: Pulls to stand, cruises

• Cognitive: First words, understands "no"

• Social-Emotional: Separation anxiety, shows affection

12 to 18 months:

• Physical: Walks, climbs

• Cognitive: Points, follows directions

• Social-Emotional: Parallel play, shows independence

Our caregivers observe, document, and celebrate each milestone with you.

Toddler Program at ENLA Learning (18 Months to 3 Years)

Why Parents Choose Our Toddler Program

The toddler years are equal parts amazing and exhausting. Your little one is:

• Asserting independence ("Me do it!")

• Testing boundaries (hello, tantrums)

• Exploding with language

• Constantly on the move

ENLA Learning's toddler program channels this energy into growth.

What Makes Our Toddler Program Special

1. Montessori-Inspired Approach

Toddlers thrive when given:

• Choice: Selecting activities that interest them

• Independence: Completing tasks on their own

• Hands-On Learning: Doing, not just watching

• Real Work: Practical life activities (pouring, cleaning, self-care)

Example: A 2-year-old learns to pour water into a cup, wipe up spills, and put materials away, building confidence with every success.

2. Low Teacher-to-Toddler Ratios

• 1 teacher per 5 toddlers (exceeds PA requirements)

• Allows for individualized attention

• Supports positive behavior guidance

• Fosters strong relationships

3. Language-Rich Environment

During the toddler years, vocabulary explodes from 50 words to 1,000+ words. We support language development through:

• Conversations throughout the day

• Books, songs, and storytelling

• Naming objects, actions, and emotions

• Expanding on children's words ("Yes! That's a big red truck!")

4. Potty Training Support

Potty training is a partnership. We work with families to:

• Recognize readiness signs

• Use consistent language and routines

• Celebrate successes without pressure

• Stay patient through accidents (they happen!)

No stress, no shame. Just support.

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What Your Toddler Experiences Every Day

Morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM):

• Warm greetings and free play

• Breakfast and hand-washing practice

• Circle time (songs, stories, calendar)

• Gross motor play (climbing, running, dancing)

Mid-Morning (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM):

• Montessori work time (child-chosen activities)

• Outdoor exploration (nature walks, playground)

• Snack and potty or diaper routine

• Creative arts (painting, playdough, building)

Afternoon (12:00 PM to 3:00 PM):

• Lunch and hand-washing

• Calm transition to nap time

• Rest period with soft music

• Wake-up and potty or diaper changes

Late Afternoon (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM):

• Snack time • Outdoor play (if weather permits)

• Sensory activities (water tables, sand, textures)

• Free play and pickup

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Toddler Milestones We Support (18 Months to 3 Years)

18 to 24 months:

• Physical: Walks confidently, kicks ball

• Cognitive: 50 to 100 words, 2-word phrases

• Social-Emotional: Parallel play, shows affection

2 to 2.5 years:

• Physical: Runs, jumps, climbs stairs

• Cognitive: 200 to 300 words, follows 2-step directions

• Social-Emotional: Tantrums, tests limits, "Mine!"

2.5 to 3 years:

• Physical: Pedals tricycle, throws ball

• Cognitive: 1,000+ words, simple sentences

• Social-Emotional: Cooperative play, shows empathy

Our educators guide toddlers through each stage with patience and expertise.

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How to Choose the Best Infant and Toddler Daycare in Philadelphia

Key Factors to Consider:

1. Safety and Cleanliness

• Secure entry and exit systems

• Clean diaper-changing stations

• Safe sleep environments (firm mattresses, no pillows or blankets for infants)

• Sanitized toys and surfaces

ENLA Learning: Our facility meets and exceeds all PA safety standards.

2. Caregiver Qualifications

• Early childhood education credentials

• CPR and First Aid certified

• Background checks and clearances

• Ongoing professional development

ENLA Learning: All staff are qualified, caring, and committed to your child's well-being.

3. Low Ratios

Pennsylvania requires: • Infants: 1 teacher per 4 children • Toddlers: 1 teacher per 5 children

ENLA Learning meets these standards and often exceeds them during peak hours.

4. Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

Look for:

• Age-appropriate activities

• Balance of active play and quiet time

• Hands-on, sensory-rich materials

• Focus on social-emotional development

ENLA Learning: Our Montessori-inspired curriculum is research-backed and developmentally sound.

5. Communication with Parents

• Daily reports

• Real-time updates

• Open-door policy

• Regular parent-teacher conferences

ENLA Learning: We partner with you every step of the way.

FAQs: Infant and Toddler Daycare in Philadelphia

Q: How early can I enroll my baby?

A: ENLA Learning accepts infants starting at 6 weeks old.

Q: Do you follow my baby's schedule?

A: Yes! We honor individualized feeding and nap schedules. Your baby's needs come first.

Q: Can I breastfeed at drop-off or pickup?

A: Absolutely! We have a comfortable space for nursing parents.

Q: How do you handle separation anxiety?

A: With patience, consistency, and compassion. Separation anxiety is normal and temporary. We partner with you to make transitions smooth.

Q: What if my toddler isn't potty trained yet?

A: No problem! We support potty training when your child is ready. No pressure.

Q: What are your hours?

A: Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Q: How much does infant or toddler care cost?

A: Contact us at (800) 327-7674 for current tuition rates and enrollment incentives.

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Now Enrolling Infants and Toddlers

ENLA Learning is welcoming new families. The $50 application fee and $500 registration fee are waived.

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Location: 1942 N Front Street, Fishtown, Philadelphia, PA 19122

Phone: (800) 327-7674

‍Website: www.enlalearning.com

Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 6 PM

Schedule Your Tour Today

See why Philadelphia families trust ENLA Learning with their most precious gift.

During your tour, you'll:

• Meet our loving infant and toddler caregivers

• Explore our safe, nurturing classrooms

• Learn about our Montessori-inspired curriculum

• Ask questions about your child's unique needs

• See our beautiful facility in Fishtown

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Call (800) 327-7674 or visit www.enlalearning.com to book your personalized tour.

Your baby deserves the best. Choose ENLA Learning.

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Author Bio: Written by the ENLA Learning team, Philadelphia's premier Montessori-inspired childcare center serving families in Fishtown and beyond since 2026.

Published: January 28, 2026

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Related Articles:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Daycare in Fishtown, Philadelphia

• What is Montessori-Inspired Daycare? A Philadelphia Parent's Complete Guide

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