Infant care, the first year with people who know your baby.

Six weeks to twelve months. A small room where your baby’s own schedule sets the day, and you hear how it went, every day.

A year of discovery

Your baby’s first year is full of discovery, and the room is built to encourage it: a safe place, close attention, and play that works their cognitive, emotional, social and physical skills a little further every day.

On your baby’s schedule

Feeding, napping and holding follow your baby’s rhythm, not a timetable. Teachers work with you to build a schedule and activities around your child, and they adjust as your baby changes, which in the first year is often.

Teachers on the floor

Babies learn by being close to people who respond to them. Teachers spend the day down at their level: tummy time, songs, board books and things to reach for, with plenty of holding in between. That closeness is how trust grows, and it is what makes a room feel safe to a baby.

Room to explore

As they start to roll, sit and crawl, the room grows with them. Age-appropriate toys and games give them something new to work out, and small group moments let them watch and play alongside other babies. Toys and the room itself are cleaned and sanitized regularly, because a baby puts everything in their mouth.

Together with you

Every day you get a note and a photo with a little of what your baby did while you were away. Teachers talk with you at drop-off and pickup, so nothing about their day gets lost between us.

More programs

The Tender Years Academy bear, reading

Come and see it for yourself

Look around, see the rooms, meet the teachers who may be caring for your child, and ask us anything on your mind. Tours take about half an hour and there is no pressure, just a chance to get to know us and picture your child here. Children are welcome to come along. We’d love to meet you and your family.

Book a tour

Pick a day and a time. Tours take about 30 minutes.

Loading open times.
All times Pacific. Nothing during nap time.
We’ll call to confirm before your tour.

2406 A St SE, Auburn, WA 98002. Plan on about 30 minutes. Children are welcome to come along.