INFANT-TODDLER DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES:
IMPLICATIONS FOR CLASSROOM DESIGN

Worksheet #4


STAGE
MILESTONES
IMPLICATIONS
(the classroom should have):
Young Infants
(Birth to
8 months)
  • Spends time gazing at adults, objects, and the environment.
  • Reaches for and grasps toys.
  • Grasps and releases objects. 
  • Manipulates objects. 
  • Lifts head. 
  • Listens to conversations.
  • Rolls over.
  • Begins to crawl.
  • Responds to voices.
  • Gazes at faces.
  • Sits up.
  • Observes a moving object.
  • Identifies objects from various viewpoints.
  • Hits or kicks objects.
  • Responds to social contact, especially with familiar adult.
  • Reacts to strangers with soberness or anxiety.
    		•
  • Cribs in areas where infants can see what's around them.
  • Adequate' space for babies, parents, and staff.
  • Rocking chairs and soft couches for adults to hold infants.
  • Carpeted areas to crawl.
  • Space to move about freely.
    		•
    Crawlers and 
    Walkers
    (8 to 18 months)
  • Enjoys exploring objects.
  • Interested in peers.
  • Attends to adult language.
  • Smiles or interacts with self in mirror.
  • Identifies some body parts.
  • Sits in chair.
  • Pulls self upright.
  • Stands holding support.
  • Walks when led.
  • Walks alone.
  • Throws objects.
  • Climbs stairs.
  • Looks at picture books.
  • Points to objects.
  • Begins to use "me, you, I."
  • Tries to build with blocks.
  • Uses a stool to reach for something.
  • Shows pleasure in mastery.
  • Displays affection for familiar person.
  • Asserts self
    		•
  • Multi-level areas to crawl across and climb over.
  • Bars and equipment to pull self upright.
  • Block areas.
  • Space to roll a ball.
  • Level area to walk across.
  • Loft platforms.
  • Accessible objects in the room to explore.
  • Chairs to sit on.
    		•

     

    STAGE
    MILESTONES
    IMPLICATIONS
    (the classroom should have):
    Toddlers and
    2-Year-Olds
    (18 month to
    3 years)
  • Increased awareness of being seen by others.
  • Enjoys peer play and joint exploration.
  • Identifies self with children of same age or sex.
  • Exhibits more impulse control and self-regulation.
  • Enjoys small group activities,
  • Shows strong sense of self.
  • Explores everything.
  • Walks up and down stairs.
  • Can jump off one step.
  • Kicks a ball.
  • Listens to short stories.
  • Plays pretend games.
  • Asserts independence.
  • Puts on simple garments.
  • Classifies and sorts objects.
  • Displays aggressive behavior.
  • Increased fearfulness.
  • Verbalizes feelings more often.
  • Shows concern for others.
    		•
  • Housekeeping and dramatic play area.
  • Story area.
  • Sand and water play area.
  • Indoor gross motor play area.
  • Places to play alone and in small groups.
  • Low shelves where toddlers can reach toys.
  • Loft platforms. 
    		•