Searching for infant or toddler daycare in Philadelphia? Learn what to look for and why Education Nation is the top choice for ages 6 weeks to 3 years.
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, Education Nation Learning Academy 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 Education Nation Learning Academy is Philadelphia's top choice for babies and toddlers
• Get answers to your most common daycare questions
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
Education Nation Learning Academy creates this optimal environment for Philadelphia's youngest learners.
Leaving your baby for the first time is emotional. Parents choose Education Nation Learning Academy because we offer:
• 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
• 1 teacher per 4 infants (exceeds PA requirements)
• Ensures individualized attention
• Allows for responsive, attentive care
• Builds secure attachments
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.
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?"
• Warm greetings and individualized hellos
• Diaper changes and feeding on demand
• Sensory exploration (soft toys, textures, music)
• Tummy time for motor development
• Morning naps (individualized based on sleep cues) • Gentle wake-ups with songs and cuddles • Language-rich interactions (books, talking, singing) • Outdoor time (weather permitting)
• Feeding and diaper changes
• Afternoon naps
• Sensory play (water tables, textured bins, mirrors)
• Movement activities (crawling, standing, cruising)
• Wake-up and diaper changes
• Final feeding before pickup
• Calm, soothing activities
• Warm handoff to parents with daily recap
• Physical: Head control, reaching
• Cognitive: Tracks objects, responds to sounds
• Social-Emotional: Smiles, coos, recognizes caregivers
• Physical: Rolls over, sits with support
• Cognitive: Explores with hands and mouth
• Social-Emotional: Laughs, shows preferences
• Physical: Sits independently, crawls
• Cognitive: Object permanence, imitates sounds
• Social-Emotional: Stranger anxiety, attachment
• Physical: Pulls to stand, cruises
• Cognitive: First words, understands "no"
• Social-Emotional: Separation anxiety, shows affection
• Physical: Walks, climbs
• Cognitive: Points, follows directions
• Social-Emotional: Parallel play, shows independence
Our caregivers observe, document, and celebrate each milestone with you.
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
Education Nation Learning Academy's toddler program channels this energy into growth.
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.
• 1 teacher per 5 toddlers (exceeds PA requirements)
• Allows for individualized attention
• Supports positive behavior guidance
• Fosters strong relationships
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!")
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.
• Warm greetings and free play
• Breakfast and hand-washing practice
• Circle time (songs, stories, calendar)
• Gross motor play (climbing, running, dancing)
• Montessori work time (child-chosen activities)
• Outdoor exploration (nature walks, playground)
• Snack and potty or diaper routine
• Creative arts (painting, playdough, building)
• Lunch and hand-washing
• Calm transition to nap time
• Rest period with soft music
• Wake-up and potty or diaper changes
• Snack time • Outdoor play (if weather permits)
• Sensory activities (water tables, sand, textures)
• Free play and pickup
• Physical: Walks confidently, kicks ball
• Cognitive: 50 to 100 words, 2-word phrases
• Social-Emotional: Parallel play, shows affection
• Physical: Runs, jumps, climbs stairs
• Cognitive: 200 to 300 words, follows 2-step directions
• Social-Emotional: Tantrums, tests limits, "Mine!"
• 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.
• Secure entry and exit systems
• Clean diaper-changing stations
• Safe sleep environments (firm mattresses, no pillows or blankets for infants)
• Sanitized toys and surfaces
Education Nation Learning Academy: Our facility meets and exceeds all PA safety standards.
• Early childhood education credentials
• CPR and First Aid certified
• Background checks and clearances
• Ongoing professional development
Education Nation Learning Academy: All staff are qualified, caring, and committed to your child's well-being.
Pennsylvania requires: • Infants: 1 teacher per 4 children • Toddlers: 1 teacher per 5 children
Education Nation Learning Academy meets these standards and often exceeds them during peak hours.
Look for:
• Age-appropriate activities
• Balance of active play and quiet time
• Hands-on, sensory-rich materials
• Focus on social-emotional development
Education Nation Learning Academy: Our Montessori-inspired curriculum is research-backed and developmentally sound.
• Daily reports
• Real-time updates
• Open-door policy
• Regular parent-teacher conferences
Education Nation Learning Academy: We partner with you every step of the way.
FAQs: Infant and Toddler Daycare in Philadelphia
A: Education Nation accepts infants starting at 6 weeks old.
A: Yes! We honor individualized feeding and nap schedules. Your baby's needs come first.
A: Absolutely! We have a comfortable space for nursing parents.
A: With patience, consistency, and compassion. Separation anxiety is normal and temporary. We partner with you to make transitions smooth.
A: No problem! We support potty training when your child is ready. No pressure.
A: Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
A: Contact us at (800) 327-7674 for current tuition rates and enrollment incentives.
Education Nation Learning Academy is now enrolling infants and toddlers for Spring 2026.
Enroll by February 28, 2026 and save $550:
• $500 Registration Fee WAIVED
• $50 Application Fee WAIVED
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
See why Philadelphia families trust Education Nation Learning Academy with their most precious gift.
• 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
Call (800) 327-7674 or visit www.enlalearning.com to book your personalized tour.
Your baby deserves the best. Choose Education Nation Learning Academy.
Author Bio: Written by the Education Nation Learning Academy team, Philadelphia's premier Montessori-inspired childcare center serving families in Fishtown and beyond since 2026.
Published: January 28, 2026
Related Articles:
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Daycare in Fishtown, Philadelphia
• What is Montessori-Inspired Daycare? A Philadelphia Parent's Complete Guide
Premier Childcare & Daycare Center in Fishtown, Philadelphia.
1942 N Front Street Philadelphia, PA 19122