Small Steps Online:
18-24 Months

Your toddler is becoming more independent, expressive, and eager to explore the world around them. You may notice new words, bigger movements, and a growing desire to do things “all by myself.” In this module, we’ll walk alongside you with simple, engaging activities that support your child’s development in communication, motor skills, and social understanding. Each small step helps build a strong foundation — and we’re here to cheer you on every day.
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How This Course Helps Your Baby Thrive

Supporting confident walking, running, climbing, and early attempts at jumping and kicking a ball.
Helping your child follow simple instructions, point to named items, and understand basic questions.
Encouraging skills like stacking blocks, turning pages, scribbling, and beginning to use a spoon or cup.
Nurturing independence in daily routines, parallel play with peers, and early signs of emotional expression and empathy.
Expanding vocabulary with single words and simple phrases, and encouraging your child to label familiar objects or people.

Start Small Steps today and give your baby the best start, one step at a time.

#Assess | #Practice | #Achieve

Module Overview

Gross Motor Skills

Your toddler is becoming more active and adventurous! Gross motor skills now include walking confidently, running with more control, climbing onto furniture or playground equipment, and beginning to kick or throw a ball. Movement supports exploration and independence.


Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills at this stage include building taller block towers, turning doorknobs, scribbling with crayons, and using utensils with more success. Your child is learning to use their hands for everyday tasks with growing precision.

Communication Skills

Your toddler may be using more words and short phrases to express their needs, interests, and feelings. Communication also includes asking for help, naming familiar objects or people, and starting to engage in simple back-and-forth exchanges.


Receptive Language

Your child understands much more than they can say. Receptive language includes following two-step directions (“Get your shoes and bring them here”), recognising people or animals in pictures, and understanding basic concepts like “in” or “on.”


Personal & Social Skills

Personal and social development includes stronger emotional awareness and social interaction. Your toddler may begin to show empathy, play next to or briefly with other children, assert independence, and participate in daily routines like handwashing or tidying up.


Disclaimer: The information provided on Small Steps Online is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, therapeutic, or developmental advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers, therapists, or relevant professionals regarding your child’s specific needs and situation. The September Institute and Small Steps Online are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information shared here.

Meet the #DownTeam

Ashley May

Ashley Rodgers is a dedicated physiotherapist based in Cape Town, South Africa, with a special passion for working with children. She graduated with a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Cape Town in 2017 and went on to complete her Community Service at the renowned Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. It was during her time there that her deep interest in paediatrics truly took root.

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashley opened her own private practice focused exclusively on paediatric physiotherapy, where she supports children with a wide range of gross motor challenges. Her commitment to learning and advancing the field continued with the completion of a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Witwatersrand. Her research explored the relationship between physical activity and gross motor development in children aged 4–6 living in Cape Town.

Ashley is certified in both MAES therapy and General Movements Assessment, and she is currently completing the SANDTA Neurodevelopmental Therapy Course. Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Ashley treasures her role as a mother to a lively toddler—a journey that, she says, has taught her more than any degree ever could. This lived experience deepens her empathy and commitment to helping children and families thrive.
#DownTeam

Ashley May

Physiotherapist
@ashleymay_physio

Nikita Oosthuizen

Nikita is a communications specialist with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Communication Management from North-West University in South Africa, where she specialised in communication for social change.

With a background in both the private and non-profit sectors, she spent three years working with the United Nations in communications and fundraising—collaborating closely with beneficiaries, donors, and high-profile individuals. She was also part of a team leading a campaign to shift societal narratives around people who are different.

Passionate about helping others and creating inclusive spaces, she believes every person has a unique purpose that flourishes with the right guidance and support.

Today, she brings that vision to life in her role as Communications & Program Manager at Small Steps Online and The September Institute. 
#DownTeam

Nikita Oosthuizen

Communication & Program Manager.

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Small Steps Online is a free program from The September Institute, a registered nonprofit foundation supporting children with Down syndrome through early intervention, resources, and community.

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