---
title: Health & Physical Development - Older Toddler | SDStepAhead
description: Promote healthy physical development in older toddlers with active play, nutritious diets, and engaging activities.
---

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- Age-Level Continuum 
    - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants)
    - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler)
    - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler)
    - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler)
    - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers)
    - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten)
- Learning Domains 
    - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning)
    - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development)
    - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy)
    - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development)
    - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development)
    - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities)
    - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b)
- About 
    - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead)
    - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles)
    - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization)
    - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead)
    - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs)
- [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services)
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- Age-Level Continuum 
    - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants)
    - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler)
    - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler)
    - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler)
    - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers)
    - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten)
- Learning Domains 
    - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning)
    - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development)
    - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy)
    - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development)
    - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development)
    - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities)
    - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b)
- About 
    - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead)
    - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles)
    - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization)
    - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead)
    - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs)
- [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services)
- [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources)
- [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact)

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20Toddler/child%20playing%20colorful%20balls%20older%20toddler%20comp.jpeg)

# Health and Physical Development Older Toddlers (18 to 36 months) Components and Developmental Indicators

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20Toddler/kids-snacks%20OT%20HPD%20comp%201.jpg?width=649&name=kids-snacks%20OT%20HPD%20comp%201.jpg)

## COMPONENT 1: Physical Health & Growth

### Developmental Indicators

#### HPD Goal-1: Children develop healthy eating habits.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Occasionally able to make nutritious choices with support.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Feed themselves using utensils and hands.

 

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Accept or refuse food depending on their appetite and personal preference (make food choices at a meal, leave unwanted food on plate, ask for seconds of favorite food).

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Notice and talk about food preferences, textures, temperatures, and tastes (crunchy crackers, warm soup, sweet apples).

#### HPD Goal-2: Children engage in active physical play indoors and outdoors.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Show satisfaction with new active skills and strength (ask others to watch them. “I’m big and strong!”)

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

With guidance and support, [***transition***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) from active to quiet activities.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Develop strength and [***stamina***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) by spending moderate periods of time playing vigorously.

#### HPD Goal-3: Children develop healthy sleeping habits.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Use[***language***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) about sleep (“Time for bed,” after clearing lunch things; give sign for sleep).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

With guidance, participate in sleep [***routines***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) (wash hands after lunch, get comfort item, listen to calming songs and/or stories, lie down on bed or mat).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Fall asleep on their own.

 

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Sleep well, waking rested and ready for daily [***activities***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en).

 

 

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20Toddler/hula-hoop-OT%20HPD%20comp%202.jpg?width=649&name=hula-hoop-OT%20HPD%20comp%202.jpg)

## COMPONENT 2: Motor Development

### Developmental Indicators

#### HPD Goal-4: Children engage in play and movement to develop the large muscle control and abilities needed to explore and move in their environment.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Coordinate movements for a purpose (kick, jump, step, pedal, push away).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Move through the world with a variety of movements and with increasing [***independence***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) and control (run, jump, pedal).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Use familiar objects that encourage large motor movements (riding toys, crawl tubes, large ball in basket, slide).

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Perform actions smoothly with balance, strength, coordination (dance, bend over to pick up a toy, reach up high on a shelf, walk up and down steps).

#### HPD Goal-5: Children engage in play and experiences to develop muscle control and hand-eye coordination to manipulate objects and work with tools.

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20Toddler/toddler-getting-vaccination-%20OT%20HPD%20comp%203.jpg?width=649&name=toddler-getting-vaccination-%20OT%20HPD%20comp%203.jpg)

## COMPONENT 3: Self-Care, Safety and Well Being

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Use hands and eyes together with a moderate degree of control (complete puzzles, thread beads with large holes, use shape sorters, put on mittens, painting at easel).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Plan and use more complex refined hand movements (stack a few small blocks, draw, look for a favorite page in a book, practice [***self-care routines***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Use [***tools***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) that require finger and hand control (large paintbrush, measuring cups, switches, shovel, rolling pin).

### Developmental Indicators

#### HPD Goal-6: Children develop personal hygiene and self-care skills.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Initiateself-care routinesand complete with guidance (put on some clothes, undress, throw away paper towel, begin to show interest in toileting).

[DOH Oral Health Care by Age](https://doh.sd.gov/topics/maternal-child-health/children-s-health/oral-health-for-children/toddler-oral-health-care/)

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Help with snack routines.

 

#### HPD Goal-7: Children use safe behaviors and personal safety practices with support from adults.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

With guidance, remember [***cause and effect***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) experiences and apply their experiences to future situations (avoid touching cold railing, walk slowly down steep hill where fall happened).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Increase self-control over their impulses (remind self not to touch something, wait for adult vs. running ahead).

 

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=57&height=43&name=green%20check.png)

Cooperate with [***adults***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)in unsafe situation, such as being cautious with unknown dog and taking adult’s hand to cross street.

 

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