It has to do with the criteria per room. The mom is expecting to not pay the infant rate and to have the child in the toddler room which will be cheaper but yes the child has to be walking to get into that room and there will be guidelines for moving from there to the preschool room. That is pretty standard in any daycare centre.

Most children walk by 16 months but have until 16-18 months before the doctors will even consider assessments. The fact the child is at home would be more reason for her not to walk because that is the expectation there. At daycare you are more likely to push her to progress and she is more likely to accept that she should at least try.

I currently have one in care that is 16 months and only now pulling up to a stand and cruising. His legs still buckle under him when he does. It will be awhile yet before he has the strength to let go. He is a very cautious type child so it takes a long time for him to feel it is ok to try something too. I am keeping a watch on him because he rarely babbles and has absolutely no words other than a few meaningful grunts.