Physical Development
Around what age range do most toddlers begin walking?
12–18 months
By what age has roughly 80% of brain development occurred?
By age 3 (about 80% by age 3).
Name one common social-emotional behavior toddlers show toward familiar people.
Shows affection to familiar people.
What is solitary play?
Playing independently without interaction.
Why is constant supervision important for toddlers?
Toddlers are mobile, curious, and no longer stay in one place; they investigate and can access hazards.
By about age 2, approximately what percent of their adult height have boys typically reached?
About 50%
What type of play begins to show that toddlers can use imagination and act out roles?
Dramatic play / Symbolic play (pretend play).
What is a common reaction toddlers may have when separated from a primary caregiver?
Separation anxiety (crying, fearful look, hiding, looking for the caregiver).
What is parallel play?
Playing beside others without direct interaction.
Give two childproofing steps caregivers should take in the home.
Cover electrical outlets; lock up chemicals/cleaners; secure medications; childproof cabinets/doors.
Name two gross motor skills shown by toddlers.
Running; climbing stairs with assistance; pulling toys while walking; sliding.
List two cognitive abilities toddlers are developing (examples: memory, problem-solving, imitation, etc.).
Problem-solving; increased memory; learns by imitation.
Give two recommended caregiver responses to challenging toddler behaviors (e.g., tantrums).
Positive guidance; redirection, clear boundaries; age-appropriate consequences; teaching alternative behaviors.
Which type of play involves repetitive actions with objects or using them as intended?
Functional play.
If you were babysitting a 2-year-old, what are three specific hazards in a kitchen you would need to secure immediately, and how would you fix them?
small objects, hot items (stove/drinks), things to climb on, electrical outlets, appliances
Give two examples of fine motor skills toddlers typically develop.
Helping with undressing; drinking from cups; using spoons; building with blocks.
How does language typically change between 12–24 months (give two developments)?
Adds ~3 words monthly (12–18 months); vocabulary explosion 18–24 months; progresses from single words to simple sentences; follows simple commands.
At what ages do tantrums, biting, and hitting commonly peak as toddlers learn to express emotions?
Around 2–3 years of age.
Which type of play involves creating or building things?
Constructive play.
Why might lowering the crib mattress be recommended for toddlers?
To reduce the chance a toddler can climb out of the crib as they become more mobile.
Besides genetics, name one critical factor that significantly impacts a toddler’s growth and physical development.
Nutrition
Describe one observable sign that a toddler is showing increasing problem-solving ability.
Uses trial-and-error to reach a toy; uses simple tools or sequences steps to solve a simple obstacle.
Describe one circumstance (behavioral sign) that should prompt caregivers to consider professional evaluation beyond typical toddler behavior.
Behaviors that are frequent, intense, cause significant injury/disruption, regression, or social withdrawal — these may indicate need for evaluation.
Provide an open ended question you could ask a toddler building with blocks.
How many blocks did you use? What color is this block? Whose tower is taller?
If a childcare setting notices frequent intense behaviors causing injury, name two actions caregivers should take (related to documentation or teaming with others).
Maintain detailed behavior logs/documentation; partner and communicate with families; consider referral for professional evaluation if concerns persist.