Is my child on track for success?

All children grow and develop at different rates but most follow a predictable pattern throughout the early years. Many parents wonder if their child is on track. The following is a list of developmental skills that usually occur by the age noted.

Birth to 6 Months

• Turns toward sounds
• Laughs, squeals, or babbles to people
• Holds your finger
• Reaches for rattle or toy
• Likes to be held
• Looks at your face

6 Months to 1 Year

• Crawls
• Sits with support
• Jabbers at length
• Plays pat-a-cake
• Recognizes mother (or primary caregiver)
• Holds arms out to be picked up

1 Year to 18 Months

• Points to at least 2 body parts when asked
• Names two or more objects
• Reacts to parents coming and going
• Is beginning to feed self
• Walks without help
• Likes to explore and play

18 Months to 2 Years

• Drinks from a cup without help
• Can build a tower of 3 or more blocks
• Says the name of 5 or more objects
• Shows interest in other children
• Can follow a simple direction

2 to 3 Years

• Puts words together to make simple sentences
• Uses spoon and fork to feed self
• Can hold and mark with a pencil or crayon
• Can climb the ladder on a slide
• Shows a lot of different emotions
• Follows directions with 2-3 steps
• Claims things as "mine"
• Runs with ease

3 to 4 Years

• Is toilet trained
• Counts to 5
• Plays in a small group (shares, takes turns)
• Asks "what", "where", and "why" questions
• Speech is easily understand by others

4 to 5 Years

• Can throw and catch a ball
• Can tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end
• from looking at a picture
• Copies simple shapes (circle, square, and triangle)
• Uses complete sentences in conversation
• Tries to write some letters of his/her name
• Separates easily from parents
• Walks up and down stairs
• Friendships are becoming more important

To learn more click here to visit "My Growing Child" section.

Have more questions about your child’s development?

A developmental screening can help you know if your child needs additional help. The earlier children get the help they need, the better the outcome is for the child. A screening may include observation, questions about development and an interactive play session. Many pediatrician offices and child care centers conduct routine developmental screenings; ask your provider if they offer screenings. If you have further questions or need more information contact one of the following resources below or click here to link to our provider listing: