First Teacher: A Parent’s Guide to 18 - 24 Months Growing and Learning First Teacher: A Parent’s Guide to Growing and Learning is a guide to your child’s development and has activities for you to support your child’s learning during daily routines and play. These activities Family Matters will help your child’s development and provide the building blocks 18 Months to 24 Months for his future success in school and life. This booklet addresses eight key areas of your child’s development. Your baby is now a toddler and becoming more independent. You The information in this booklet will serve as a guide forthe may notice her saying “me do it” or “no” more often. This is the age knowledge and skills your child is developing at this age. This booklet when young children are developing and expressing their need for follows the domains of Florida’s Early Learning and Developmental independence. This is a time when all parents need to be patient Standards, which are used in early learning programs throughout and allow their children to do things on their own. Although it is the state. important to let this independence grow, it is critical that parents
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT ensure their child’s safety. (general health and development of physical skills involving large and You will notice big changes in your child. One word phrases will small muscles) begin to turn into two-, three- and four-word sentences. Walking APPROACHES TO LEARNING will become steadier and she will begin to run, walk on tiptoes and (attitudes, behaviors and learning styles) even jump. She may begin to be interested in crayons, markers, finger paint, water play, sand boxes and play dough. SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT (the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others) As your child’s independence grows, at times she will seem like the boss. This is the time for you to set rules and limits to keep her safe LANGUAGE & LITERACY and support her healthy growth and development. (the ability to understand words, learn to talk and learn about books and reading) This booklet offers activities and strategies for you to use daily. The easy-to-follow activities will help you build a strong relationship MATHEMATICAL THINKING and a foundation for your child’s learning and future success. All (the ability to think about relationships between objects, numbers, families are different. Remember to include stories, activities and shapes, sizes, weights and other concepts) languages from your own family. SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY (the ability to explore the environment using the five senses, connecting You are your child’s first teacher. what is observed to science concepts and asking questions)
SOCIAL STUDIES (the ability to learn about people and the community)
CREATIVE EXPRESSION THROUGH THE ARTS (the ability to engage in dance, song, music, dramatic play and art to express ideas and feelings) The information in this booklet will help you make the most of the time you spend with your child. The positive relationship you have with your child and the time you spend together will help your child’s development in every way. Physical Development As your toddler grows Your child’s growth and development will go through many It starts with you changes. He will Physical development refers to your child’s general health and • Imitate hand motions to finger plays and songs. development of physical skills involving large and small muscles. • Push and pull large objects. Your child’s physical development continues at a fast pace. As he • Hold a board book firmly with two hands and turn the pages. begins moving around on his own more, he will become more • String large beads on a piece of yarn. balanced. At this age, he should be able to walk alone and climb on • Kick a ball. play equipment. Your child will fall less and will begin running, if he • Walk up and down stairs holding on. hasn’t already! His hand-eye coordination will also improve, and he • Stand on tiptoe. will begin learning to string beads on a piece of yarn, unzip a zipper and use a spoon. Playing and learning Provide a safe place for your child to explore, run, climb and kick Help your child’s development by trying these activities. and throw balls. He will need space in your home and outside to • Let him practice climbing in and out of your car before you do activities to develop his large and small muscles. Look for safety buckle him in the car seat. hazards in these spaces and find ways to eliminate them. Use safety • Blow bubbles and let him chase and pop them. gates to keep your child out of rooms or away from stairs that may • Push and toss a large rubber ball back and forth. be dangerous. Cover electrical plugs and make sure cords and • Let him practice drinking water out of a small cup without a lid. cabinet doors are secured. If there is any furniture that may tip over • Give him crayons and paper to scribble or draw lines and circles. easily, secure it to the wall if possible or block access to it when your child is in the room. Outside, look for and remove any broken glass, debris and rocks or tree limbs that may cause injuries to your Taking care of your toddler child. Good nutrition is important in helping your child grow and learn. Provide him with a variety of foods of different tastes, textures and colors. He will begin to develop his own sense of taste and will enjoy experimenting with his food. Don’t force your child to eat foods he doesn’t like initially, but keep introducing the foods in different ways (e.g. raw apples, baked apples, apple juice, applesauce, or apple chips). PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT PHYSICAL with thetask. her to start the new task and help her only if she is having difficulties to brush her teeth, get out of a chair or put on her shoes. Encourage tries she as help your needs she that signs for Look activities. new you need may quite active and explore be may She activities. new tries she as others to listen and watch child may be curious and inquisitive or more passive and content to Each child is born with a unique personality and by providing asupportive environment. others naturally,of developmentencourageoccur the can you but behaviors of these Some creativity. and persistence curiosity, as characteristics or behaviors of set related to how young a children interact with is their environment, such learning to Approaches It startswithyou Approaches toLearning
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APPROACHES TO LEARNING Social & Emotional As your toddler grows Your child will show development in forming relationships as he Development • Shows concern for others who seem to be sad or hurt. • Uses emotions to express himself, such as whining, pouting and It starts with you crying. Social and emotional development refers to your child’s feelings, • Greets parents and caregivers with an excited, “hi!” behaviors and relationships. Your young toddler is beginning to • Says “mine” to a child who takes his toy. recognize that you smile when you are happy. He is beginning to • Shows interest in a certain book. show empathy or understanding if another child is hurt or crying • Pretends to care for a baby doll. or if you are upset. He may also begin to use his own emotions as a way to communicate with you. He may do things like smile, cry or pout to tell you that he wants something. Playing and learning
At this age, it is normal for children to have temper tantrums Help your child’s development by trying some of the following and tantrums may activities. happen for many • Ask him to do a task you know he can do and cheer or praise different reasons. him when he completes it.
When this happens, • Encourage the use of “please” and “thank you.” it is important to • Rotate different toys and foods for your toddler to try; this helps allow him time him discover his likes and dislikes. to calm down. • Talk to him about his feelings; for example, “I see you are sad,”
Acknowledge his or “That’s a happy face.” feelings, name his feelings, remind him Taking care of your toddler of how he should be acting and respond Young children respond well when parents talk with them about to him the same their good behavior. When your child is being good, be sure to way each time. As describe his actions and give a positive comment. For example, your child continues when your child picks up his toys say, “You put your toys away. to grow and become Good for you!” more independent, he will often
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CREATIVE EXPRESSION THROUGH THE ARTS From nine to 24 months, your child is developing important language The Importance of Family milestones. Ask your pediatrician or the local early learning coalition about developmental screenings that are available for your child Learning starts at home with you as your child’s first teacher. that will identify any delays in language or other areas. Infants, toddlers and preschoolers learn by observing and listening to family members as they go about their daily routines. When a developmental delay is not recognized early, children must wait to get the help they need. This can make it hard for them to Families are responsible for shaping a child’s development of values, learn when they start school. Early screenings for these problems learning skills and social skills. Your child is watching everything you will allow your child to get needed early intervention so he will be do and listening to everything you say. ready to learn when he enters school. Learning occurs naturally for children through their play. Children are happiest when they play and playing is one of the Remember, you are your child’s best tools for learning new skills. Join in your first teacher. child’s play by getting down on his level and playing with him. Get down on the floor and pretend to be his favorite animal to encourage his imagination.
Use objects around your house for pretend
play such as an empty paper towel tube that he can use as a horn or a telescope. A plastic spoon and a pot for cooking can become a drum. Play helps improve his imagination, his physical development, his social skills and more. Playing outside is very important. Running, jumping and climbing help build your child’s muscles and coordination. Your child will enjoy the time you two spend together, and so will you!
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY FAMILY OF IMPORTANCE THE All children develop differently and at different times. If you have questions or concerns about your toddler’s development or behavior, it is important to take action early.
Developmental screenings can help identify areas of your child’s development that might need some extra help. Talk to a doctor, your child’s teacher or your local early learning coalition about your concerns and request to have your child screened. If the screening indicates any areas that need extra help, your child may qualify for early intervention services. Your child’s doctor or your early learning coalition can help connect you to those services.
You are your child’s greatest advocate!
Websites That Promote Child Development
Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Birth to Kindergarten: http://flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Parent Information: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/index.html Center for Early Literacy Learning Parent Information: http://www.earlyliteracylearning.org/parentresource1.php Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Learning: http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/family.html National Association for the Education of Young Children: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/for-families PBS Parents: http://www.pbs.org/parents/ Zero to Three: https://www.zerotothree.org/parenting Free Apps for Families Family Resources OFFICE OF EARLY LEARNING Provides state-level support and direction for parents, teachers and early learning professionals. OEL administers three statewide programs including: the state child care assistance program, School Readiness, the free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program for four-year-olds and the Child Care Resource and Referral program for all Florida families. 1-866-357-3239 (Toll-free), (TTY:711) http://www.floridaearlylearning.com
2-1-1 A 24-hour hotline where parents connect with national, state and local information and referral services. 2-1-1 offers parents information to assist families with food, housing, employment, health care and counseling services. Dial 211 www.211.org Learn more at cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker ACCESS FLORIDA Temporary cash assistance and food stamp information is available through DCF’s Access Florida Hotline. 1-866-762-2237 (Toll-free) You have what www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access it takes to be a BRIGHT FUTURES brain builder! A national health promotion and prevention initiative, led bythe Download the Vroom app to add learning American Academy of Pediatrics and supported by the Maternal and to mealtime, bathtime, bedtime, and anytime with Vroom tips. Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration that provides guidance for all preventive care screenings and well- See for yourself how Vroom tips are fast and fun! child visits. vroom.org https://brightfutures.aap.org/Pages/default.aspx
CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL NETWORK (CCR&R) Helps families find local child care programs that fits their unique needs and local resources and provides information on how parents
También disponible en español can find, locate and afford quality child care. 1-866-357-3239 (Toll-free), (TTY:711) www.floridaearlylearning.com/ccrr.aspx CHILD CARE AWARE® of AMERICA FLORIDA KIDCARE National network of more than 900 child care resource and referral Health insurance program for uninsured children younger than age agencies committed to helping parents find the best information on 19. The Florida Kidcare program assesses eligibility based on age and locating quality programs and resources in their local community; family income. maintains links to resource and referral agencies in every state. 1-888-540-5437 (Toll-free), (TTY: 1-877-316-8748) 1-800-424-2246 (Toll-free) http://floridakidcare.org/ http://childcareaware.org/families/ FLORIDA HEALTHY START CHILD HELP USA® NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE Ensures that all Florida families have access to a continuum of This hotline is staffed 24 hours daily with professional crisis affordable and quality health and related services. counselors with access to thousands of resources. 727-507-6330 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453 (Toll-free) www.healthystartflorida.com www.childhelp.org https://www.childhelp.org/states/florida HEAD START Head Start is a national school readiness program that provides DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES (DCF) LICENSING WEBSITE comprehensive education, health, nutrition and parent involvement Responsible for the administration of child care program licensing services to children from low-income families. For Head Start and training throughout Florida and administers programs addressing programs in your area, visit the listed website. issues such as adult and child protective services, homelessness, www.floridaheadstart.org food stamps, refugee services and adoption and foster care. www.myflorida.com/childcare THE OUNCE OF PREVENTION FUND Find Child Care Providers Identifies and supports prevention programs to improve outcomes https://cares.myflfamilies.com/PublicSearch for children, preserve and strengthen families and promote healthy behavior and functioning in society. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES/EARLY https://www.ounce.org/ STEPS Provides information and referrals on disabilities and special health PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS care needs for families, service coordinators and other professionals Provides help to single parents through discussions, professional who work with children with special needs. speakers, study groups, publications and social activities for families. 1-800-218-0001 (Toll-free) 1-800-637-7974 (Toll-free) http://www.floridahealth.gov/AlternateSites/ http://www.parentswithoutpartners.org CMS-Kids/early_steps_directory/index.html VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN FLORIDA CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT Florida’s free voluntary program designed to prepare 4-year-olds for Child support services that include locating missing parents, kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. establishing legal paternity, and establishing, enforcing and 1-866-357-3239 (Toll-free), (TTY: 711) modifying support orders. http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/vpk.aspx 1-800-622-KIDS or 1-800-622-5437 (Toll-free) www.myflorida.com/dor/childsupport/ Florida Department of Education Office of Early Learning Child Care Resource and Referral Network Toll-free Family Line: 1-866-357-3239 http://www.floridaearlylearning.com