How can we help?
Toddler Age Range: Don’t Get It Wrong – A Parent’s Guide (2025)
Education
Understanding the various stages of early childhood is essential for parents navigating the developmental milestones of their young ones.
Terms like “newborn,” “infant,” “baby,” and “toddler” are often used interchangeably, yet they represent distinct phases in a child’s growth.
This article delves into the specific age range defined for toddlers and the educational expectations for children this age. It explores how preschools like My First Skool align their programmes to support children in this critical stage of developmental milestones.
Defining Early Childhood Stages
Understanding these classifications helps parents make informed decisions about the care and education of their young children. Before pinpointing the toddler age range, it’s helpful to distinguish between the various early childhood stages.
These classifications, while widely accepted, can vary slightly depending on cultural and institutional interpretations.
In Singapore, the toddler age range is generally considered to be from 18 months to under 3 years old, aligning with the Playgroup stage in many childcare centres.
Developmental Milestones During the Toddler Years
The toddler years are a time of rapid growth and child development. Understanding these milestones helps parents provide appropriate support and identify any areas where their child might need additional assistance.
Parents can expect significant advancements in these domains:
Physical Development
Toddlers typically learn to walk independently, begin to run, and start mastering fine motor skills like stacking blocks or using utensils.
Cognitive Development
This stage is marked by increased curiosity. Toddlers begin to understand simple instructions, recognise the names of familiar people and objects, and engage in pretend play.
Language Development
During this stage of toddler speech development, vocabulary expands rapidly, and many toddlers begin forming simple sentences, developing their language skills.
Social and Emotional Development
As toddlers assert their independence, children react in different ways, sometimes displaying defiant behaviours or frustration as they interact with other children.
The Importance of a Nurturing Environment for Toddlers
A nurturing environment plays a crucial role in a child’s life, shaping their emotional security and willingness to explore:
- Fosters Exploration: Toddlers are naturally curious. Safe spaces that encourage exploration help them learn about their surroundings.
- Supports Emotional Security: Consistent routines and responsive caregiving help toddlers develop a sense of security and trust.
- Encourages Social Interaction: Opportunities to interact with peers support the development of social skills and empathy.
Academic Expectations for Toddlers in Singapore
While formal academics aren’t the focus for toddlers, these early years are vital for setting the stage for lifelong learning. The emphasis is on creating enriching environments that foster holistic development—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
At My First Skool, we embrace these principles by creating nurturing environments where toddlers can explore, interact, and develop essential skills through play and guided activities.
Our playgroup curriculum emphasises fostering curiosity, social interaction, and independence, laying a strong foundation for your child’s future learning journey.
My First Skool: Nurturing Toddlers at Every Developmental Milestone
At My First Skool, a leading early childhood education provider in Singapore, we offer programmes tailored to support infants and toddlers through their developmental stages:
- Infant Care: For children aged 2 to 17 months, focusing on building secure attachments and sensory exploration.
- Playgroup: Designed for toddlers aged 18 months to under 3 years, emphasising language development, social skills, and motor abilities.
- Nursery 1: For children aged 3 years, building on foundational skills and preparing them for more structured learning experiences.
Our curriculum is rooted in recognising positive and trusting relationships between teachers, children, and parents as fundamental to effective learning. This approach ensures that toddlers feel secure and supported as they explore and learn.
Over 160 Centres Islandwide – Quality Childcare, Minutes from Home
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationships-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents. Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
