Watching your baby transition into toddlerhood is an exciting and heartwarming journey. At Angels Care & Learning Center, we know how important these early stages are, and we’re here to support every step of your little one’s development, from their first steps to their first words.
Key developmental milestones between 12 and 18 months lay the foundation for a toddler’s growth, with nurturing support playing a vital role in guiding each child through this exciting stage.
Language and Communication
Around this age, children begin turning babble into meaningful words. They may say simple words like “mama,” “dada,” “ball,” or “more,” and start using gestures like pointing or nodding to express needs. These are powerful signs that communication skills are blossoming.
How do we promote early communication?
At Angels Care, we encourage verbal and nonverbal communication through song, story time, and one-on-one interaction. Our teachers speak clearly and frequently to infants, helping them connect words with objects and actions.
Because we are a bilingual learning center (Spanish/English), children are naturally exposed to both languages in a playful and immersive way. This exposure supports language development and builds a strong foundation for future communication skills, no matter what language they speak at home.
Motor Skill Development
By 12 to 18 months, babies are becoming explorers. They’re learning to walk, climb, and manipulate objects with increasing control. You might notice your child stacking blocks, turning book pages, or attempting to feed themselves.
Social and Emotional Growth
Toddlers are just beginning to understand their own emotions and how they relate to others. Around this stage, they may show affection, exhibit separation anxiety, or express frustration when they can’t communicate a need.
Read: Building Emotional Intelligence in Children: Strategies for Parents
Cognitive and Sensory Exploration
From dropping toys to see what happens, to repeating the same sound over and over — your child is beginning to understand cause and effect. They’re discovering patterns, shapes, and simple problem-solving skills through play.
Monitoring Development
Every child grows at their own pace, and we celebrate each milestone, big or small. Our infant teachers are trained to observe and document developmental progress and work closely with families to provide insight and support.
If we notice a delay or a leap, we communicate it with care and compassion. We believe in partnership with parents to create the best outcomes for every child.
Why Angels Care & Learning Center
At Angels Care & Learning Center, we take a hands-on approach to supporting toddlers’ (12-18 months) growth:
- Language & Communication: we encourage both verbal and nonverbal expression through songs, stories, and one-on-one interactions. Clear speech, meaningful conversations, and our bilingual environment (English/Spanish) help children connect words with objects and ideas while laying a strong foundation in two languages.
- Physical Development: our classrooms feature safe, age-appropriate toys and equipment that invite exploration. Teachers guide toddlers in activities that build gross motor skills like walking and climbing, and fine motor skills such as grasping and feeding. Outdoor play is a daily priority.
- Social & Emotional Growth: we create a nurturing environment where toddlers feel safe and supported. Through modeling, gentle guidance, and emotional labeling, children learn to recognize their feelings, practice empathy, and build strong social bonds.
- Cognitive & Sensory Learning: our curriculum includes engaging sensory experiences such as water play, texture exploration, and musical activities. We introduce early concepts like shapes, colors, and counting in both English and Spanish, helping toddlers explore cause and effect and strengthen problem-solving skills through play.
We’re not just a learning center, we’re a community that supports your child’s first steps toward independence. Give your infant the best start in a safe, stimulating, and bilingual environment.
We’re here to nurture their natural curiosity and guide them as they grow, one tiny milestone at a time. Join our learning community today and take a virtual tour to see how we support your child’s growth, development, and future success.