A toddler returns to the office for a routine 2-year-old check-up. The parents report no issues at home, but state that the teachers at the child's daycare center are concerned that the child is behind. What finding is consistent with the developmental expectations of a 2-year-old?

Choice A rationale Parallel play is a developmental stage where toddlers, typically around 2 years old, play alongside other children without directly interacting with them. This is consistent with a toddler's egocentric nature, where their primary focus is on their own activities. This type of play helps them observe social interactions and gradually prepare for more cooperative play as they mature. Choice B rationale By the age of two, a toddler's vocabulary and language skills are more advanced. They typically use two- to three-word sentences and have a vocabulary of approximately 50 to 300 words. One-word sentences are more characteristic of a younger toddler, usually between 12 and 18 months of age, when they are just beginning to link words to objects. Choice C rationale Most two-year-olds are able to walk up and down stairs independently. They typically do so by placing both feet on each step before moving to the next. Scooting on their bottom is a common and appropriate method for a younger child, but by age two, walking stairs is the expected developmental milestone for gross motor skills. Choice D rationale A two-year-old’s expressive language skills are more advanced than being able to say more than 5 words. At this age, a toddler's vocabulary typically consists of 50 to 300 words. They are also beginning to combine words into simple sentences, demonstrating an understanding of basic grammar and communication.