Infant and Toddler Care

Fueling Your Child’s Natural Desire to Learn

Kaune is a warm and welcoming place for children 0–5 years old. Our educators start with a foundation built on relationships and social-emotional learning. We support children in developing the skills they need to work, play, and interact with other members of our school community. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach® to learning, educators create classroom environments that promote curiosity, exploration, and discovery—igniting a lifelong love of learning. Our program is nationally accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which ensures programs meet ten standards of high-quality early childhood education.

In 2023, we opened two toddler classrooms serving children 1-3 years old. The infant room, serving babies 6 weeks to one year old, opened in August 2024.

Early Learning Center at Kaune Philosophy

WE BELIEVEeach child is unique in their experiences, strengths, and perspectives of the world around them.
WE RECOGNIZEthat a child’s family is a critical component in their development.
WE ENGAGEchildren by speaking their language. Our Dual Language classrooms aim to provide instructions in both English and Spanish evenly throughout the day.
WE EMBRACEAnti-Bias curriculum which celebrates all differences. Children are encouraged to be active and curious in their own learning and development.
WE CAREabout creativity. Our classrooms are bright, spacious, and include dramatic play, science, blocks, a writing center, book/library area, creative expression and art, math, manipulatives, music, sensory enrichment, and hands-on exploration. All children play outdoors on age-appropriate playgrounds which incorporate organic materials and nature play.
WE ARE INSPIREDby the Reggio Emilia Approach®, which recognizes children’s natural desire to learn through discovery, experimentation, and exploration. Our educators work alongside children as they build upon these interests to develop classroom projects and areas of study.
WE KNOWthat when a child’s joyful curiosity is ignited early, that flame endures even when they are challenged. Valued as strong, competent, and resilient learners, young children who come out of our Reggio Emilia-inspired program emerge prepared for success in school and life.

Application Details and Deadlines

Please contact us at: prek@growingupnm.org or at (505) 303-3950, with any questions you may have.

For Prek and Early Prek Program (3-5 year olds) application CLICK HERE.

“In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.”

Family Handbooks

Inf-Tod Family Handbook 2025-26Download
Spanish_InfTod Family Handbook 2025-26Download