Toddler Development Milestones (13–24 Months)
What to look for, and how nursery supports each milestone
Between 13 and 24 months, toddlers move from unsteady first steps to running, climbing, and stringing words together — at a pace that varies enormously from child to child. Here's what typically develops in this window, and how a toddler program supports it.
Movement and physical skills
This is the age of walking becoming confident, then running, climbing, and beginning to kick or throw a ball. A toddler room supports this with safe space to move, climb, and practice new physical skills throughout the day — not just a single "activity time."
Language and communication
Vocabulary grows quickly in this window, from single words to short phrases by 24 months for many toddlers. Nursery supports this through constant naming, narrating, and responding to a toddler's attempts to communicate — plus, at Kids First Nursery, exposure to both English and Arabic from an early age.
Independence and self-help skills
Toddlers start wanting to do things themselves — feeding, undressing, choosing. A good toddler program builds in real opportunities for this rather than doing everything for them, which is part of how independence and confidence develop at this stage.
Every toddler develops at their own pace. If you're ever concerned about a specific milestone, raise it with your pediatrician rather than comparing against other children.
Social play
Around this age, play shifts from mostly solitary to "alongside" other children, and gradually toward simple shared play. Group time in a toddler room gives regular, gentle practice at this — sharing, taking turns, and being around peers.
How the toddler program ties it together
At Kids First Nursery, the Toddlers program (13–24 months) sits between Infants and Pre-Schoolers, with more structure and group activity than infant care but still built around each child's individual pace.
See the toddler program in action
Book a TourQuick answers
Do all toddlers hit milestones at the same time?
No. The 13–24 month range covers a wide spread of normal development — every toddler progresses at their own pace.
What age group is the toddler program for?
At Kids First Nursery, the Toddlers program covers 13 to 24 months, between the Infants and Pre-Schoolers programs.
Should I be concerned if my toddler isn't talking much yet?
Language develops at different rates between 13 and 24 months. If you have concerns, raise them with your pediatrician or the nursery's staff rather than comparing to other children.