Can My Child Start Preschool or Daycare If They’re Not Walking Yet?
For those of you thinking about signing your little one up for the Spring semester of pre-k or daycare, you may be wondering: Can they go if they cannot walk yet?
The short answer is - ask your day care or preschool center. From a physical therapy standpoint, we want to see little ones begin walking by 15 months. Delayed walking also delays skills like stair climbing and running down the line. Lesser expected effects of delayed walking include reduced social interaction and delayed language skills. Being “ready” for pre-k or daycare isn’t about hitting every motor milestone perfectly. Instead, it’s about making sure your child can participate safely, comfortably, and confidently in classroom routines.
The Benefits of Preschool and Daycare Programs
Starting your child’s journey in early childhood education is one of the most important steps you can take as a parent or caregiver. Early childhood education provides children from birth to age five with the foundation they need for future success in school and life. It’s about more than just supervision - it’s about creating an environment where children can learn, grow, and explore safely. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in choosing the right childcare facility, ensuring their children are supported every step of the way. By understanding the value of early childhood education, parents can make informed decisions that set their children up for a bright future.
Children who attend high-quality early childhood education programs often perform better in school, develop stronger social skills, and are more likely to succeed later in life. For parents and families, these programs offer valuable support, helping them balance work and family responsibilities. Early childhood education also brings communities together, fostering collaboration and building a stronger support system for everyone involved.
Recognizing and supporting developmental milestones is essential for parents, caregivers, and teachers who want to help children reach their full potential. From birth, children are constantly learning and changing, and early childhood education provides the structure and support they need to thrive. By keeping an eye on key milestones, parents and caregivers can spot areas where a child might need a little extra help, ensuring no one falls behind.
Therapy sessions are play-based and tailored to your child’s abilities, so learning new skills feels fun and empowering - not stressful.
When Physical Therapy Can Help:
If your child is not walking yet and you are hoping to send them to daycare or pre-k, pediatric physical therapy can give them the boost they need. Our team is highly skilled in helping children develop strength, coordination, and confidence with skills like:
Pulling to stand to begin cruising at furniture.
Taking their first independent steps!
Improving foot posture while standing. Commonly children start out with their ankles caving in or their feet pointing out to the side.
Climbing stairs safely with support.
Building Confidence for School Success:
Beyond the physical milestones, physical therapy also helps with confidence. When children feel strong in their bodies, they can join in play, explore their classroom, and participate fully with their peers. That sense of belonging and independence makes the transition into pre-k or daycare much smoother for both children and parents.
If you’re preparing to enroll your child in pre-k or daycare, but they’re not quite walking yet, don’t panic and don’t feel alone. Every child develops on their own timeline; however many children benefit from a little extra support along the way. EMpower PT is well-equipped to help children reach these important milestones so they can thrive in school and beyond. If you have questions or concerns, reach out—we’d love to partner with you and your child on this exciting next step.
👉 Email us at info@empower.pt.org to schedule an evaluation and give your child the tools they need for a confident start to daycare or pre-k.