2-3 years — Childcare Center

Normal Development - 2 Year Old’s

Physical Development

Is always in motion.
Tires easily.
Runs and climbs.
Walks up and down stairs alone.
Starts to walk on tiptoes.
Goes form random scribbling to somewhat more controlled movements.
Can button and unbutton large buttons.
Develops greater independence in toileting needs( still needs some help).
Primary teeth finish coming in.

Emotional Development

Gets upset and impatient easily.
Shows anger by crying or striking out,.
Gets frustrated when not understood.
Wants own way.
May assert self by saying no.
Goes back to acting like a baby at times.
Is upset when daily routine changes.
Has sharp mood changes.

Social Development

Likes to imitate others.
Gets more interested in brothers and sisters.
Knows gender.
May have an imaginary friend.
Enjoys playing among, not with, other children.
Does not share.
Claims everything is "mine"
May scratch, hit, bite, and push other children.

Mental Development

Is much more interested in language.
Uses 3-5 word phrases by end of second year.
Understands more words than can speak.
Likes to "do it myself".
Can build a tower of 3 to 5 blocks.
Cannot be reasoned with much of the time.

Normal Development - 3 Year Old’s

Physical Development

Jumps, gallops, tiptoes and runs smoothly.
May stumble and fall often.
Rides a tricycle.
Undresses self, bunt needs help with dressing.
Uses crayons.

Emotional Development

More relaxed and flexible.
Cries and hits at times.
Quickly switches from shyness to high spirits and back.
May show fear of unfamiliar objects or activities.
May want to be a baby at times.
Starts to talk about dreams.

Social Development

Is keenly interested in family activities.
Sees parents as heroes.
Seeks approval from adults.
Tests limits constantly.
Often prefers to play alone.
May have an imaginary friend.
Shares and talks turn occasionally.
Quarrels with other children.

Mental Development

Develops a somewhat stable concept of self.
Speaks about 1,000 words.
Starts to use pronouns in speech.
Loves to hear stories over and over again.
Enjoys learning short rhymes.
May match or identify primary colors.
Puts toys away with adult help.
Has attention span of not more than a few minutes.
Can make choices.