Just like tracking height and weight, tracking developmental milestones helps caregivers see how children’s skills compare to typical growth and development.
Developmental milestones are skills most children can do by a certain age. There are important milestones children achieve at each stage of life.
Each child is an individual, so it is important to remember that a milestone checklist is only a guide for growth and development. Some children may achieve skills a little earlier, and others may achieve skills a little later; however, certain skills tend to develop within predictable age ranges.
Knowing what to look for is key to understanding how a child is developing. Developmental milestones can help caregivers become aware of what skills are expected at what ages and acknowledge what the child is accomplishing–a first smile, a first step, a first word.
Click the tabs below to view downloadables and training resources for understanding and using developmental checklists!
Developmental Milestones ChecklistsNavigating ConcernsTraining Resources
Developmental Milestones Checklists for Infants, Toddlers, and Three-Year-Olds
Parents and teachers of children can use these milestone checklists from birth to 48 months of age. They are divided into age ranges and areas of development: Language, Social-Emotional, Cognitive, Early Literacy, Physical Health & Motor Development.
Navigating Concerns about Children’s Development
The “roadmaps” below provide guidance to early childhood professionals and families on what to do next when they have concerns about children’s development.
ROADMAP FOR PROFESSIONALS
Children rapidly develop in early childhood, especially in the first three years. Early care providers and teachers have a unique opportunity to partner with families in keeping children on a healthy path to development—especially when a child may be experiencing developmental delays. This roadmap is designed to help providers act upon developmental concerns observed in children in their care.
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ROADMAP FOR FAMILIES
Similar to the early care provider roadmap, this version is designed to support families in tracking their children’s development and taking the next steps if they have concerns.
Training Resources
“GROW WITH ME” ONLINE COURSE
Grow with Me: Understanding Developmental Assessment and Screening is part of the Circle Infant-Toddler Online Teacher Training: Play with Me series. The course covers important topics about why and how we assess young children, the types of assessments, and what to do with assessment results. To access the course, view the How-To Guide linked below.
VIDEO SERIES: UNDERSTANDING DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING AND EARLY INTERVENTION
This video series helps professionals and families learn about developmental milestones, developmental screening tools, and Early Childhood Intervention services for families and their children with developmental delays or disabilities.