Talking & Reading
- Follows simple instructions
- Uses single words and gestures
- Looks at a book, turns pages
- Visually tracks when someone points
Be Ready by 5: Age 1 - 2
The following information will help you as you interact with your child from age 1 to 2 and have learning experiences that will not only help them be ready for Kindergarten, but that will help develop a special bond between you and your child!
What to Look For
Connecting & Feeling
- Says or signs “more” or “all done”
- Adds toys or dumps toys from a basket
- Explores simple puzzles
- Takes “just one” of something when asked
Counting & Measuring
- Waves “bye bye” to others
- Reacts to another child or adult with babbles
- Cries or yells when a toy is taken away
- Looks to an adult when struggling
Playing & Problem Solving
- Repeats an action to gain skill or repeats movements
- Remembers next steps in routines like peek-a-boo
- Looks for or signs help
- Throws, tosses, or kicks a ball on purpose with some success
Growing & Developing
- Visits their doctor/pediatrician for a well-visit at 15 and 18 months and at age 2
- Receives appropriate vaccinations
Get Them Ready
You can help your child be ready for Kindergarten and beyond by working on skills with them. Here are some helpful and easy ways to engage with your child!
Talking is Teaching!
- Say out loud what your baby is doing
- Give words to help them work through conflict
- Comfort your child when they’re upset, celebrate them when they’re happy
Mealtime is Mathtime!
- Talk out loud about numbers and servings
- Let them play with their food to fit small bites in spaces and develop fine motor skills and better use of their hands
- Encourage them to put trash in a trash can
Play With a Ball!
- Encourage them to roll, toss or kick it
- Help them pass a ball between one hand and another
- Talk out loud about taking turns, “first it’s your turn, then it’s my turn”
Additional Things to Consider: Age 1 – 2
During this time your child is learning a lot about language. Building in time in your routine to read to your child is an important way to help them develop a love of reading.
Big feelings start during this age. Talking about emotions with your child can help them learn to talk about how they’re feeling as they grow.
Check Eligibility
Fill out our eligibility screener to learn about all the resources you qualify for based on your needs.
Ensuring that every child in Montgomery County, Ohio is healthy and ready for success in Kindergarten and beyond.
