1. Communication:
A 2 1/2-year-old should be able to understand and follow simple directions. They should also be able to communicate with others through words and gestures.
2. Gross Motor Skills:
A 2 1/2-year-old should be able to balance on one foot for a few seconds, walk up and down stairs without assistance, and run short distances.
3. Cognitive Abilities:
A 2 1/2-year-old should be able to identify colors and shapes, count up to 10, and understand some basic concepts such as "over" and "under".
4. Self-Care:
A 2 1/2-year-old should be able to dress themselves, go to the bathroom independently, and feed themselves with minimal assistance.
5. Social and Emotional Development:
A 2 1/2-year-old should be able to cooperate with others, express their feelings verbally, and play imaginatively with other children.