Programs

Apples and Books Learning Center provides a variety of programs for children ages 6 weeks to
school age. We are a family owned and operated daycare center with a primary goal of serving your
family. We focus on providing small class sizes in a rich learning environment with lots of fun
hands-on learning experiences.

Full Time Programs, including all day care, are Monday through Friday for children ages 6 weeks to
5 years in developmentally based groups.  

Part Time Programs, may include a few hours per day as a traditional preschool or may entail 2
through 4 days per week.

Back-Up Care Programs can be arranged for children ages 6 weeks through 5th grade. This type of
arrangement is available for almost any reason (excluding sick care) provided there is student
space available.

Realistic curriculum goals and plans are based on regular assessment of individual needs,
strengths and interests. The following enrichment programs are offered according to the age span.

Infant/Toddler Program: Our small class sizes allow us to nurture and provide individual attention
to children.

Full-Day Kindergarten: The curriculum includes both academic and hands-on activities, which
provide a stimulating learning environment for each child. The program incorporates language,
letters and sounds, reading, math, social studies and science, along with music and art. Children
are able to progress at individual rates according to their level of readiness.

Before and After School Program: A well designed program adaptable to the needs of the child
who attend 1st through 5th grade. Outside activities, homework time, arts, and music. Available for
AM and/or PM care.

Summer Camp Program: Our summer camp runs from the end of June through the beginning of
September. The summer calendar and list of activities is available in March for the upcoming
summer. School age children are encouraged to enroll in our summer camp for a fun and
challenging summer.

Field Trips: Throughout the school year and summer camp program there are various fun and
educational local trips. Parents are welcome to chaperon.

Special Needs Program: Apples and Books Learning Center will promote, train, and support early
diagnosis, appropriate intervention, and structured educational programs to children with special
needs.


Please call our office for more information or to schedule an appointment at our school.

Meals

Our full time cook devotes the day to preparing
homemade, nutritious, whole foods and meals. Our
meals are prepared fresh daily from scratch. We do not
serve prepackaged processed foods.

The following meals are just a sample of the delicious
meals that the children enjoy:

Breakfast
Homemade pancakes, scrambled eggs and toast, oven
baked biscuits, waffles, cereals and muffins.

Lunch
Homemade soup, baked chicken with potatoes and
carrots, spaghetti with meat sauce, ham and rice,
tacos, kielbasa with rice, macaroni and cheese, pizza,
baked ziti and sandwiches.

Snack
Baked goods prepared by the children, assorted
crackers, cookies and juice.

Fruits, vegetables, milk and juice are served daily with
meals. We can accommodate families that are
vegetarians.  

Curriculum Objectives

I.   Cognitive Development
A. Language and Concept Development
1.  Develop ability to verbalize thoughts and feelings.
2.  Develop skills in listening and following directions.
3.  Increase vocabulary through a variety of discussions, experiences and socialization.
4.  Classify objects according to size, shape, color, texture,  sound and smell.
5.  Develop an appreciation of literature through books,  finger plays, poems and songs.

B.  Math and Science
1.  Recognize numbers.
2.  Counting.
3.  Recognize shapes.
4.  Recognize colors.
5.  Observe likenesses and differences.
6.  Observe, hypothesize, test and predict outcomes.
7.  Observe changes (seasons, weather, animals & people).

II.   Personal Growth
A.   Social Development
1. Show concern for others, applying manners and respect towards others.
2.  Listen attentively.
3.  Share and take turns.
4.  Participate in group activity.
5.  Cooperative play.

B.  Emotional Development
1.  Adapt to separating from parents.
2.  Express feelings in an acceptable manner.
3.  Take pride in accomplishments.
4.  Develop self esteem.

III.   Physical Development
A. Gross Motor Skills
1.  Creative movement through music.
2.  Throw, kick and catch a ball.
3.  Develop spatial awareness.
4.  Develop hand-eye coordination.
5.  Develop skills to jump, hop, skip and gallop.

B.  Fine Motor Skills
1.  Art activities.
2.  Develop pincer grasp.
3.  Develop hand-eye coordination.
4.  Lace, string, work puzzles, building blocks.
5.  Cut on straight and curved line.
6.  Trace basic shapes.

C.   Routine Health Habits
1.  Toilet train.
2.  Learn to wash hands before eating & after toileting.
3.  Learn to use tissues.
4.  Identify nutritious foods.

IV.   Creative Development
1.  Develop self expression through art work.
2.  Develop self expression through language.
3.  Develop self expression through rhythm, dance & music.

V.   Spiritual Growth
1.  Develop an awareness of God’s love for us.
2.  Learn to be thankful to God through prayer.
3.  Learn that God made our world.
4.  Learn that God sent his only son, Jesus, to teach us how to live our lives.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at Apples and Books Learning Center is a multi-sensory approach to learning.  
Based on sound educational theory and practice, we know that children learn best when they
directly interact with their environment. Carefully planned activities and the use of a variety of
“hands on” materials and equipment help the children to develop an interest in learning as well
as mastery of tasks geared toward their own individual levels of development.  Various play
centers are designed to help the children explore, grow, share and learn from one another.
Emphasis on development through maturation as well as interaction with the environment, are
incorporated into the curriculum.  A well rounded environment and caring, supportive teachers help
the children to develop skills, build concepts, establish values and nurture creativity.

Curriculum Activities

Social and Emotional Development
Motor Development - Gross & Fine
Speech Development
Language Development
Listening Skills Development
Story Time
Reading Readiness
Weekly Music Assembly
Bible Stories - Old and New Testament
Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Computer Education
Health Concepts
Music Activities
Arts & Crafts
Personalized Infant Care
Physical Fitness
Indoor/Outdoor Play
Spanish
Cooking
Organized Games
Select Audio-Visual Programs
1036 Route 202 South
Branchburg, New Jersey 08876
Somerset County
(908) 429-4275
(5 miles south of the Somerville Circle)
"Where Nurturing Begins With Love"
Serving the following communities
in child care since 1995:
Bridgewater, Raritan, Branchburg,
Somerville, Neshanic Station,
Whitehouse Station, Readington,
Flemington, Hillsborough,
Boundbrook, Clinton, Piscataway,
Lawrencville, Somerset and
Hunterdon County.