The ABC's Of Child Development
Developmental Milestones For Your Child's First Five Years
Children grow and develop at different rates. While their pathways through childhood differ, most pass a set of predictable milestones along the way. The information presented here offers a map that can help you follow your child's journey. Our map divides the developmental milestones into four areas:
In reality, these areas overlap, as development in one area is reinforced and enhanced by growth in others. The milestones suggested for each area offer examples of the developmental leaps that young children make. These are not complete lists.As you follow this map, keep in mind that each child develops differently and that an individual child may develop more quickly in one area than in another.
In reality, these areas overlap, as development in one area is reinforced and enhanced by growth in others. The milestones suggested for each area offer examples of the developmental leaps that young children make. These are not complete lists.As you follow this map, keep in mind that each child develops differently and that an individual child may develop more quickly in one area than in another.
Social and Emotional Development
Social and emotional milestones are often harder to pinpoint than signs of physical development. This area emphasizes many skills that increase self-awareness and self-regulation. Research shows that social skills and emotional development (reflected in the ability to pay attention, make transitions from one activity to another, and cooperate with others) are a very important part of school readiness.
Age Milestones
The first year
From the start, babies eagerly explore their world-and that includes themselves and other people.
Babies spend a lot of time getting to know their own bodies. They:
Observe their own hands
Infants are interested in other people and learn to recognize primary caregivers. Most infants:
Babies are more likely to initiate social interaction. They begin to:
Babies show a wider emotional range and stronger preferences for familiar people. Most can:
As they near age one, imitation and self-regulation gain importance. Most babies can:
Children become more aware of themselves and their ability to make things happen. They express a wider range of emotions and are more likely to initiate interaction with other people. At this stage, most children:
Children begin to experience themselves as more powerful, creative "doers." They explore everything, show a stronger sense of self and expand their range of self-help skills. Self-regulation is a big challenge. Two-year-olds are likely to:
Children enjoy parallel play, engaging in solitary activities near other children. They are likely to:
As their dexterity and self-help skills improve, 3-year-olds become more independent. Most can:
Children become more interested in other children. They are now more likely to:
At this age, children are more aware of themselves as individuals. They:
4-year-olds are very interested in relationships with other children. They: