Our program actively promotes responsive and engaging interactions between caregivers and infants, both within the structured environment of the clinic and in the natural context of the home. To ensure the highest quality of care and individualized support, we diligently track each infant’s developmental progress through systematic data collection and meticulous milestone monitoring. This data-driven approach allows us to tailor interventions precisely to each child’s unique needs and celebrate their individual achievements along the way. Our Infant Development Clinical Program is built upon the fundamental understanding that the earliest years of life are a period of unparalleled growth and development, laying the groundwork for all future learning, behavior, and well-being. Our goals are deeply rooted in the science of early childhood development, and we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and nuanced support to both infants and their caregivers.

A central tenet of our program is the focus on early brain development. We recognize that the neural pathways formed in infancy have a lasting impact on cognitive, social-emotional, and physical health. Our interventions are designed to optimize this critical period by providing experiences that stimulate neural connections and promote healthy brain architecture. We incorporate evidence-based practices that support the development of executive functions, sensory processing, and motor skills, all within a nurturing and responsive environment.

Sensory stimulation plays a vital role in our program. We offer a carefully curated array of developmentally appropriate sensory experiences that are designed to ignite infants natural curiosity and foster exploration. These experiences are not merely passive exposure but are thoughtfully structured to encourage active engagement and learning through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. We understand that rich sensory input is essential for building a strong foundation for cognitive development and fostering a child’s understanding of the world around them.

Self-regulation is another key area of focus. We recognize that the ability to manage emotions and behavior is a foundational skill that develops early in life. Our program provides gentle and consistent support to help infants learn to regulate their internal states. We work closely with caregivers to help them understand and respond sensitively to their infant’s cues, creating a secure and predictable environment that fosters the development of self-soothing and emotional regulation skills.

Meaningful interaction with the surrounding world is actively encouraged in our program. We believe that infants learn best through active exploration and engagement with their environment. We provide opportunities for infants to interact with objects, materials, and people in ways that are developmentally appropriate and stimulating. Our therapists guide caregivers in creating enriching home environments that support exploration, discovery, and early learning.

The caregiver-infant bond is the cornerstone of healthy development, and strengthening this vital connection is a primary focus of our program. We understand that, through nurturing, infants can explore the world and develop trust. Our program actively promotes responsive and engaging interactions with infants through a variety of strategies, including modeling and coaching on the importance of attunement and sensitive caregiving. We recognize that supporting caregivers is essential to supporting infants, and we offer guidance and resources to help parents build confidence and competence in their role.

Our commitment to providing the highest quality of infant development care is reflected in our systematic approach to data collection and milestone monitoring. We diligently track each infant’s developmental progress across multiple domains, using standardized assessments and observational measures. This data-driven approach allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of each child’s unique developmental trajectory and identify areas where additional support may be beneficial. 

We believe in tailoring our interventions precisely to meet each child’s individual needs, ensuring that they receive the most effective and personalized care possible. We also understand the importance of celebrating each child’s individual achievements, no matter how small, and we work closely with families to recognize and appreciate their infant’s unique strengths and progress. Our ultimate goal is to empower infants to reach their full developmental potential and to support families in creating a nurturing and enriching environment where their child can thrive.

Infant Development Intervention Curricula and Techniques

Curriculum is based on the following empirical-based researched models:

• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) – for infants and toddlers

• Sensory Integration research (Miller et al., 2007)

• NDBIs – Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions

• Parent-implemented interventions (Rogers et al., 2012)

• Lovaas (1987); Cooper et al. – ABA principles

Curriculum Outcomes Expected:

• Strengthened sensory regulation and tolerance

• Emergence of early social and communication behaviors

• Increased engagement and attention to people and environment

• Empowered caregivers with sound teaching strategies

• Foundations for motor planning and learning

Program Structure:

• Duration: Ongoing or up to 3 years of age

• Frequency: 60 minutes (in-home) to 3 hours per week (in-clinic)

• Setting: In-home, natural environment (daycare, park) or clinic-based

• Team: Clinical Director, Supervisor, Specialist

Program Components:

Core Developmental Skills

• Social Engagement & Eye Contact:

  • Pairing faces with positive reinforcement (smiles, touch, sounds) to build comfort and responsiveness

• Early Imitation:

  • Motor and vocal imitation of clapping, tongue clicks, arm movements, and coos—taught through modeling and reinforcement

• Functional Communication Foundations:

  • Teaching early gestures (reaching, waving, pointing), and reinforcing intentional sounds and facial expressions as communication

• Visual Tracking & Attention:

  • Stimuli paired with sound or light to build attention span and orienting behaviors

• Regulation & Calmness:

  • Teaching self-soothing strategies and calming routines through parent coaching and behavior shaping

• Sensory Stimulation:

  • Each activity is guided by modeling, reinforcement, and shaping

    • Tactile: Soft textures, water play, fabric books, hand/foot rubs

    • Auditory: Soft music, rhythm play, name recognition games

    • Visual: Tracking toys, contrast cards, mirror play

    • Vestibular: Gentle rocking, bouncing, infant yoga

    • Proprioceptive: Baby massage, tummy time with pressure tools

    • Oral-Motor: Teething toys, blowing raspberries, vocal turn-taking

Parent Involvement & Coaching

Real-time parent coaching during sessions focusing on:

• Reading infant cues, reinforcing engagement, building daily routines that include stimulation and learning.

Location of Services

Nurture & Nature is committed to delivering services in the most effective and comfortable settings for the infants and their families. 

Services will be provided in the consumer’s home or natural environment (daycare, park), or in Nurture & Nature’s clinic setting.