Developmental Milestones

Taken from National Association for the Education of Young Children

All parents worry their child is not growing and maturing as they should. While each child progresses at a different pace, here are some milestones to watch for.

The First Six Months

• I begin to smile and follow people and objects with my eyes.
• I love bright colors.
• I discover my hands and my feet.
• I can lift my head and turn toward sound.
• I cry, but feel better when you hold and comfort me.

At Four Months

• I smile often, laugh and imitate many sounds.
• I can sit up when you prop me.
• I like to roll over, scoot and bounce.

I love to put things in my mouth.

How We Help

• We feed baby on a schedule. 
• We check and change diapers every ½ hour or as needed.
• We play with baby – keeping the above developments in mind.  We keep choking hazards away from baby.

 

At Seven to Twelve Months

• I see myself in the mirror. 
• I can sit up by myself.
• I remember simple events.
• I remember voices. 
• I understand my name and other words that I hear often. 
• I say my first words.
• I like to explore and bang and shake objects.
• I can find hidden toys and put them in containers.
• I creep and can pull myself up to stand and walk.
• I notice strangers who can be scary.

How We Help

• We feed baby on a schedule. 
• We check and change diapers every ½ hour as needed. 
• We play, read and sing to baby. 
• We use words for everything. 
• We encourage baby to walk and talk.
• We need to remember that each child develops in his or her own way.

 

One to Two Years

• I like to imitate what adults are doing – and help.
• I can talk now and understand words and ideas. I like stories.
• I can walk, climb stairs and run.
• I recognize that toys and stuff are mine.
• I’m proud of the things I can do and can solve simple problems.
• I show you my independence – but am more comfortable with people that I know.
• I have some friends and am starting to play make believe.

How We Help

• We feed a great variety of table food.  Toddlers are encouraged to try new foods. 
• We check diapers every ½ hour as needed. 
• We read stories, sing and introduce new toys. 
• We encourage both large-muscle (running, climbing) and small-muscle activities (puzzles and legos). 
• We help each child to make friends.

 

Two to Three Years

• I love to learn new things.
• I can learn new words really fast now – up to 50 a day.
• I always like to be on the go.
• I have better control of my hands and fingers.
• I get FRUSTRATED easily.
• I act more independent, but I still depend on you.

How We Help

• We continue to introduce new foods.
• We check and change diapers every ½ hour as needed. 
• We work with parents when they feel their child is ready for toilet training. 
• We have a structured group time (circle) to introduce new stories, songs and activities.
• Teachers and parents need to be kind, firm and patient.

 

Three to Five Years

• I have a longer attention span. 
• I act silly, boisterous and use language that isn’t nice.
• I talk a lot now and ask a lot of questions.
• I want real adult things and keep art projects that I make.
• I test my physical skills. Sometimes I am cautious, sometimes not.
• I reveal my feelings to you in dramatic play.
• I like to play with friends.
• I sometimes share my stuff and take turns.

How We Help

• We teach using a language development lesson each day. 
• Words are used to describe ordinary objects and concepts. 
• Questions are asked and answered. 
• We don’t worry about the “correct” answers, but encourage the willingness to try. 
• We provide many “make and take” activities. 
• We help our children learn to make friends.

 

Five to Eight Years and Beyond

• I am curious about people and how the world works.
• I’m interested in numbers, letters, reading and writing.
• I have more confidence now in my physical skills.
• I use words to express my feelings and to cope.
• I like grown-up activities.
• I like to meet and play with more kids and I play more cooperatively now.

How We Help

• During the school year, we help with homework. 
• We get the children outside as often as possible. 
• During the summer we take a field trip each day to help them learn about and enjoy their community.  
• We help them learn to make and keep friends. 
• We encourage all their growing-up efforts.