The short answer
Most children move from an infant program to a toddler program between about 12 and 18 months. Daycares usually group children by age and development, so the exact timing differs from one program to the next.
At Vivvi, we take a developmental approach. It depends on your child, not just a birthday. We talk with you early, and your child visits the new room before the move. We also take into account all local and state age-based licensing requirements.
Typical transitions in daycare
Most daycares move children through a series of classrooms as they grow. The age ranges below are typical, not strict.
| Stage | Typical age |
|---|---|
| Infants | About 6 weeks to 12 months |
| Toddlers | About 12 to 24 months (often split into 12 to 18 and 18 to 24 months) |
| Twos | About 2 to 3 years |
| Threes | About 3 to 4 years |
| Fours | About 4 to 5 years |
State licensing rules set ratios and group sizes by age, which is one reason programs use age ranges.
How Vivvi approaches transitions
We talk about the move as “when your child is ready,” not “when your child turns one.” Here’s what that looks like:
- We talk with you early. About a month ahead is ideal, and never less than two weeks.
- Your child visits the new room before the move.
- Teachers in the next room introduce themselves to you before the move.
- We move children in pairs when we can.
- We connect you with another family in the new room.
- We ask what questions you have, and we share a supply list and the schedule for the next room.
- Teachers start practicing new routines, like sippy cups, in your child’s current room.
What parents often worry about
What if my child isn’t ready yet?
Teachers start practicing new items before your child leaves their current room, and we share things you can try at home. Children pick up skills quickly once they see others doing them.
What if my child is the youngest in the new room?
Older children model skills, and younger children are motivated to follow. Teachers still give your child the individual attention they need, on their own timeline.
What if my child moves a little early or late?
Transitions follow each child’s development, not an exact birthday. Slightly older children lead the way for slightly younger ones, and younger children get exposed to new milestones.
What a toddler day looks like at Vivvi
Infant life is very individualized. Toddlers are starting to understand they’re part of a community, and they’re gaining independence and developing preferences. Our job is to support their exploration.
At home, you might notice: purposeful movement to get somewhere fast, empathy and affection, strong attachments to people they love, and expressive reactions, including lots of NOs.
In a Vivvi toddler classroom, you’ll notice: a more scheduled day with teacher-led transitions, small groups for play and learning, encouragement to explore independently, and a growing awareness of their community.
Sample schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Arrival, morning snack, open play |
| 8:00-9:30 AM | Clean-up and self-care |
| 9:30-10:00 AM | Circle time |
| 10:00-11:00 AM | Wiggle Room or outdoor time |
| 11:00-11:30 AM | Activity time |
| 11:30 AM-12:00 PM | Lunch and personal care |
| 12:30-2:30 PM | Nap time |
| 2:30-3:30 PM | Afternoon snack and music time |
| 3:30-5:00 PM | Wiggle Room or outdoor time, circle time |
| 5:00-7:00 PM | Choice time, story time, goodbyes |
This is a sample. Every campus and classroom runs a little differently.
Circle time is new for toddlers. Coming together as a group, instead of playing on their own, is a brand new idea for them.
Wiggle Room time matters. Toddlers move with purpose, and their gross motor skills are developing fast.
Toddler milestones to look for
- Social and emotional: enjoy group play, express feelings and preferences
- Self-care: feed themselves, cooperate when getting dressed
- Literacy: explore books independently, sing along with rhymes and songs
- Math: begin to sort and categorize, begin to tell numbers and shapes apart
- Language: follow one-step directions, name familiar things
- Science: tell living from non-living things, identify colors and body parts
- Fine motor: use thumb and index finger, begin to hold utensils, turn board book pages
- Gross motor: walk independently, run and climb
Remember that development is unique to each child.
FAQ
At what age do babies move to the toddler room?
Typically between 12 and 18 months, depending on the program and the child.
Is my child behind if they’re still in the infant room at 15 months?
No. Children grow at their own pace, and we move kids up when they’re ready.
Will my child visit the new room first?
Yes. At Vivvi, your child visits the new room before the move.
How much notice will I get?
We talk with you early. About a month is ideal, and never less than two weeks.
Do licensing rules affect when children move?
Yes. We take into account all local and state age-based licensing requirements.