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.