Children go through many changes as they develop. Between the ages of birth and four years old, children learn to roll over, sit, walk, run and climb. They learn to use their hands to play with toys, draw, write, and feed themselves. They learn to communicate their needs, thoughts and feelings. It's important to remember that all children follow their own unique timeline in development. Children's learning and growth rates vary widely. Family and cultural experiences also affect the rate of development.
Select the links below for some examples of children's developmental milestones.
Developmental Screens
Children grow, develop, and learn throughout their lives, starting at birth. Regular developmental screening is a way to help parents and professionals that work with children make sure they are developing as they should be. This can help find any possible concerns with a child's development. When concerns are found early, children can get help and get back on track with their development. In some cases, developmental concerns may be more complicated, and children will require more help.
Most developmental screenings are done using a checklist of developmental skills a child is expected to do in a certain age range. Parents, doctors, nurses, childcare workers and teachers use these developmental screening checklists to tell if children are learning basic skills when they should, or if they might need some help. If someone other than the parent does the screen, that professional will observe or play with the child to see how he/she talks, moves, learns and behaves. They will also talk with the parents to see if they have any concerns about their child's development.
If the parent, childcare worker, teacher or doctor feels there could be a concern, the child can be evaluated further. The child and family can be referred to other resources for help. This can include a more detailed developmental evaluation to see if the child would benefit from services, like speech therapy or physical therapy. If the child is under three years old, he/she should be referred to the local early intervention program. Children three or older should be referred to their local school system.
Useful Links
Born Learning
Power of the Ordinary
Everyday Times
Special Education Services and Support Information
Tummy Time