Goals and Milestones
Your Toddler:
15–24 Months
Somewhere between baby and toddler, something pretty amazing happens. Suddenly your little one has opinions. They want to walk instead of being carried. They understand far more than they can say. They may insist on doing something “all by myself”—and then need to climb right back into your arms a few minutes later.
A Little More Independent Every Day
What You May Begin to Notice
Between 15 and 24 months, toddlers seem to learn something new every day.
You may notice more words, more movement, more curiosity—and definitely more determination!
Your child may want to feed themselves, climb everything in sight, imitate what you’re doing, help with simple tasks and make their preferences very clear.
Every toddler develops at their own pace. These milestones are simply a guide to some of the growth you may see during this exciting stage.
Big Feelings & Growing Relationships
Your toddler is beginning to understand that they are their own little person.
Those big toddler emotions are normal. We help children begin putting words to their feelings, practice gentle interactions and learn that a trusted adult is there when they need help.
Show lots of affection toward familiar adults
Form strong relationships with trusted caregivers
Express a growing range of emotions
Play independently for short periods
Begin playing alongside other children
Enjoy songs, games and silly interactions
Point to things they want to share with you
Want to do more things independently
Become frustrated when they can't communicate what they want
Begin helping with simple routines such as getting dressed or cleaning up
So Much to Say
One of the most exciting parts of this stage is watching your toddler find their voice.
Sometimes you may understand exactly what they’re trying to tell you. Other times, you may have absolutely no idea—and they may be very determined that you figure it out!
We encourage language all day long through conversation, stories, songs, play and simply talking with children about what they’re doing and seeing.
During this stage, toddlers may:
Use more familiar words
Add new words quickly
Point to familiar people, pictures or body parts when named
Understand simple questions
Follow simple directions
Imitate words they hear
Use gestures and words together
Begin combining two words such as “more milk” or “Mommy come”
Busy Bodies
Toddlers were made to move.
Your child may be walking confidently one day and attempting to run everywhere the next. Climbing, pushing, pulling, throwing and carrying are all ways they’re learning what their growing body can do.
We provide plenty of opportunities for safe movement and active play so toddlers can practice these new skills again and again.
You may see your toddler:
Walk more confidently
Begin to run
Squat down and stand back up
Push and pull toys while walking
Climb onto low furniture
Walk up steps with help
Throw a small ball
Begin kicking a ball
Feed themselves with a spoon
Little Hands Doing Big Things
It may be a little messy—and that’s okay. Every attempt is helping your child develop coordination, confidence and independence.
Learning Through Play
When your toddler feeds a baby doll, fills and dumps a container for the tenth time or insists on doing the same puzzle over and over, they’re doing important work.
Through play, toddlers begin to:
Solve simple problems
Find hidden objects
Understand concepts such as “in” and “out”
Sort and match simple objects
Imitate things they see adults doing
Experiment with pretend play
Recognize familiar pictures
Learn through repetition
Growing Together
You can tell us about a new word your child started saying, a change in sleep, something they’re suddenly afraid of or a new skill you’re working on at home. And we’ll share the moments we see here, too.
We’re not just watching your toddler reach milestones. We’re getting to know the little person they’re becoming—and partnering with you through all the changes along the way.