What stage of life encompasses ages 12-36 months?

The toddler phase is defined as the stage of development that includes children aged 12 to 36 months. This period is characterized by significant physical, cognitive, and social development as children transition from infancy into early childhood. During this time, toddlers exhibit rapid growth in motor skills, including walking, running, and beginning to speak in simple phrases.

Additionally, this stage is marked by an increase in independence, as toddlers begin to explore their environment more freely, develop social skills through play and interaction with peers and adults, and assert their will through emerging behaviors like temper tantrums. This developmental phase lays the foundation for more complex skills and learning that will continue into the preschool years and beyond.

The other stages listed relate to different age groups. Infancy typically covers the first year of life, while the preschool stage generally refers to ages 3 to 5 years, and school age applies to children approximately 6 years and older.