Every moment in a child’s early journey is filled with wonder. From their first smile to their first steps, each milestone offers a glimpse into their unfolding potential. By understanding the stages of childhood development, we can provide the right support at the right time – nurturing their natural curiosity, independence, and joy.
At House on the Hill, we embrace these golden formative years through a heart-centred Montessori-inspired approach that honours each child’s unique path. Our nurturing understanding of early childhood development is rooted in the Montessori philosophy and a deep respect for every child’s individual journey of growth and discovery.
Our calm, carefully prepared environments allow development to flow naturally—never rushed, always respected, and gently guided by each child’s strengths.
1. Understanding the Stages of Childhood Development
Childhood development is not a race—it’s a beautiful progression. Each stage of childhood development lays the foundation for the next, encompassing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth from infancy to early childhood.
At House on the Hill, we view each phase as a vital chapter in a child’s story. Here’s how we support children through each developmental stage:
- Infancy (0–18 months) – A time of bonding, cuddles, connection, and discovery. In our Montessori for Infants / Nido programme (2–17 months), babies explore safely in a calm and nurturing space.
- Toddlerhood (18 months–3 years) – Little steps become bold strides as independence emerges. Our Playgroup (1.5–2.5 years) and Pre-Nursery (2.5–3 years) programmes encourage curiosity, movement, and early expression.
- Preschool age (3–6 years) – Imagination soars, friendships bloom, and confidence builds. In our Nursery to Kindergarten programme, children thrive in an environment that respects their voice, pace and growing friendships.
Understanding and respecting each stage helps us create environments that nurture growth, spark wonder, and celebrate each child’s unique rhythm and innate passion at the right pace.
2. Treasuring Infant Developmental Milestones
The earliest months of life lay the foundation for how a child connects with the world. It’s during this time that little ones begin to build trust, curiosity and an awareness of their surroundings—through movement, sound and interaction.
Some common infant developmental milestones include:
- Smiling and cooing in response to familiar voices
- Rolling, crawling, and eventually walking
- Grasping toys and moving them from hand to hand
- Babbling and imitating the sounds they hear
Each small achievement is a meaningful step in a child’s growth. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, our approach honours each child’s pace—never rushing progress, but instead creating a space for development to happen organically.
In our infant care (Nido) programme, even the simplest moments like reaching for a toy or sitting up for the first time, are celebrated. These little triumphs become the building blocks of confidence, independence, and joyful discovery.
3. The Magic of Language Development
Language development is one of the most exciting milestones of early childhood. As children begin to name, describe and express, they aren’t just learning to speak but also connect with the world around them.
Around 18 and 24 months, children begin using simple words like “Mama” or “Dada”, and quickly move on to forming short phrases such as “all done” or “bye-bye”. Their vocabulary quickly expands to include names of loved ones, favourite objects, and simple instructions. From ages three to five, their language becomes richer as they form full sentences, ask questions, and share little observations.
As one of the most hands-on Montessori programmes in Singapore, we support this growth through meaningful conversations, rich vocabulary, and beautifully designed pre-literacy and phonics materials. Every story shared, song sung, and exchange during daily routines helps strengthen their confidence and communication.
4. Why Embracing Small Wins Matters
In early childhood, the most meaningful growth often happens in quiet, everyday moments. While developmental milestones serve as helpful guides, we encourage parents not to treat them as checklists. What truly matters is how each child progresses at their own pace, and how we choose to support that journey.
Real progress often reveals itself in the little things: pouring water into a cup with steady hands, slipping on shoes without help, or offering a kind word to a friend. These seemingly simple acts reflect a child’s growing confidence, independence, and care for others.
At House on the Hill, our educators observe with thoughtful attention, celebrate with quiet joy, and guide with gentle hands. We follow each child’s pace, knowing that every small step is part of a deeper, lifelong journey.
5. Creating Spaces Where Little Hearts Thrive
Children thrive in environments that are calm, safe, and purposefully designed. At House on the Hill, we create cosy corners, regular routines, paired with purposeful materials to build a sense of security, allowing their confidence and curiosity to flourish.
Even the simplest routines like washing hands, setting the table, and tidying up after a snack can hold valuable learning opportunities. These everyday tasks nurture independence and strengthen coordination, sequencing, and social skills. In these moments, children are not just learning to follow instructions, they’re discovering what they’re capable of.
Nutrition, also plays a vital role. As suggested by USDA’s preschooler food guide and Raising Children Network, balanced meals made from a variety of colourful, whole foods help fuel bright minds and active bodies. Our meals are thoughtfully prepared to fuel bright minds and growing bodies. They’re not just about nourishment, they’re moments of connection, learning, and care.
6. Building Strong Foundations for Life's Journey
Understanding early childhood development gives us the insight we need to nurture children not just academically, but emotionally, physically, and socially. When children feel secure and respected, they naturally embrace the world with curiosity, wonder, and growing confidence.
At House on the Hill, we are devoted to supporting each child as a unique individual. We see every child as a world of potential, and our role is to create the space, time, and guidance they need to grow with confidence and joy.
Learn more about House on the Hill Preschool and how our philosophy supports every stage of your child’s development.
