Children require a lot of time, attention, and love. They are constantly growing, both mentally and physically, and it can be hard for parents to keep up with all the changes. When it comes to early childhood development, how do you know if your toddler is on track? Julia and Mike Cato, grandparents and owners of Cherokee Academy at Clayton in Canton, GA, provide childcare for kids of all ages and are familiar with important developmental milestones for toddlers. 

Here are some milestones of early childhood development that you should look out for:

• 12 Months, Coordination: Basic movements, like throwing and eventually kicking a ball, are ways your toddler learns to play.
• 12 To 18 Months, Dragging, Pushing, & Pulling: As children learn to stand and then walk, they will reach for the toys and blankets around them, pushing and pulling the items as they move.
• 12 To 18 Months, Seated Squat: At first, toddlers will bend over to pick things up. This is the time to challenge your child! Help them learn to bend their knees and squat down to pick objects up off the floor.
• 12 To 24 Months, Little Climbers: This is a big milestone in early childhood development. Toddlers are expanding their movements, and climbing on things like furniture will eventually help them with other skills, like walking up the stairs.
• 12 To 24 Months, Ready To Run: Children are learning to balance risk and reward. Those who run immediately after they start to walk are willing to risk falling down. Others may be more cautious and will take a bit more time developing this skill.

  

• 24 To 26 Months, Potty Time: Tired of changing diapers? There may be a light at the end of the tunnel. A big part of early childhood education is learning to use the toilet.

These are just a few of the physical milestones toddlers will reach as they grow. There are plenty of emotional and psychological ones as well, including pre-reading, learning how to talk, and gaining independence from their parents. The toddler care experts at Cherokee Academy at Clayton understand the importance of early childhood development and will help your toddler work on all of these important skills.

Cherokee Academy at Clayton offers a variety of services for toddlers and children of all ages, including infant day care, pre-K, after-school programs, and holiday camps. Help keep your toddler’s development on track with the caring teachers and staff at Cherokee Academy at Clayton. Call (770) 479-4404 to schedule a tour or visit their website for a full list of their early childhood education programs.