Daycare for 1-Year-Olds: What a Good Toddler Room Looks Like

A good daycare room for 1-year-olds is safe to explore, has plenty of space to move, follows a predictable routine, and has teachers who talk, sing and read with children all day. In Illinois, licensed centers must have at least 1 adult for every 5 toddlers from about 15 months to 2 years, with no more than 15 children in a group. Younger babies follow the infant ratio of 1 adult for every 4.

Here is what to look for and what the day usually includes.

Why the toddler year is different

Between 12 and 24 months, children change fast. Most start walking, say their first words, test limits and want to do everything themselves. They also have big feelings and very few words to explain them. A toddler room is set up for this stage: more movement than an infant room, more patience than a preschool room.

Ratios and group size in Illinois

Illinois licensing rules set a ratio of 1 adult to 5 toddlers and a maximum group size of 15 for children roughly 15 months to 2 years old. Children younger than that follow the infant ratio of 1 to 4. Some centers keep groups smaller. Count adults and children when you visit. Our guide to Illinois daycare ratios by age lists every age group.

What a quality toddler room looks like

• Open floor space for walking, pushing carts and dancing
• Low, safe climbing equipment and soft mats
• Toys within reach on low shelves: blocks, stacking cups, shape sorters, simple puzzles, push toys and dolls
• Board books in a cozy reading spot
• Sensory play such as water, sand, play dough or textured toys, with close supervision
• Child-size tables and chairs for meals and art
• Several of the same popular toy, because sharing is hard at this age
• Clean, organized diaper area with handwashing nearby
• Outdoor play space with equipment sized for toddlers

A typical day for 1-year-olds

• Arrival: greeting, free play, breakfast
• Morning: songs and movement, art or sensory play, outdoor time
• Lunch: eating together at small tables, practicing spoons and open cups
• Nap: most move to one afternoon nap between 12 and 18 months
• Afternoon: snack, books, building, outdoor play
• Pickup

Diaper changes, handwashing and comforting happen all day. The schedule is steady, but good teachers adjust for a child who is tired or hungry early. See why kids nap at daycare but not at home.

How teachers support language

Language grows quickly in the second year. In a strong toddler room, teachers:

• Name objects and actions all day: "You are pouring the water"
• Expand on what children say: "Ball" becomes "Yes, a big red ball"
• Read short books, many times
• Sing songs with hand motions
• Use simple signs like "more" and "all done"

If you are worried about your child's speech, see our guide to Early Intervention in Illinois.

Big feelings, biting and sharing

Tantrums, grabbing and even biting are common at this age. Good teachers stay calm, keep children safe, name feelings and redirect. They do not shame, yell or use time-outs for young toddlers. Ask how the room handles biting and how you will be told. Our article on daycare incident reports explains what to expect.

Moving from the infant room

Many centers move children to the toddler room around 12 to 18 months, often based on walking, eating solid food and napping once a day. A gradual move with short visits first helps. Ask how the center handles the transition and whether a familiar teacher visits with your child.

Tour checklist for a toddler room

• Are children busy and engaged, or waiting around?
• Do teachers get down on the floor and talk with children?
• Is the room safe, with no hazards within reach?
• Is there enough space to move, and daily outdoor time?
• How are naps, meals and diaper changes handled?
• How do teachers handle biting and conflicts?
• How will you hear about your child's day?

Frequently asked questions

Is 1 a good age to start daycare?

Yes, many children start at 1. Expect some separation tears at first. See the best age to start daycare for more.

What is the ratio for 1-year-olds in Illinois?

In licensed centers, babies under about 15 months follow the infant ratio of 1 adult to 4 children. From about 15 months to 2 years, the ratio is 1 adult to 5 toddlers, with a maximum group of 15.

Do 1-year-olds nap at daycare?

Yes. Many move from two naps to one longer afternoon nap during this year.

Will my 1-year-old learn at daycare?

Yes, mostly through play, songs, books and talking with teachers and other children.

The toddler program at Children's Land

The Children's Land toddler program serves children from 15 months to 2 years, with hands-on play, music, art and simple words in English, Spanish and/or Russian. We serve hot breakfast and lunch, and children play outdoors daily when the weather allows. Find a location to visit a toddler room.

Related reading: How to Dress a Toddler for Daycare in a Chicago Winter.