Understanding Child Development

As a parent, you know your child best. Children are constantly learning, changing and growing, and the early years of a child's life are vital for healthy development. How your child plays, learns, speaks and acts will show you how your child is developing.

Skills such as smiling for the first time, saying their first word, and taking their first steps are called developmental milestones. Developmental milestones, or stages, are things children can do by a certain age.

Each child is different and develops at their own pace, however experts have a good idea of the range of development that your 0-5 year old should be reaching. With the right care, support and opportunities, healthy development can help a child reach their full potential.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, please refer to the Early ACCESS page to learn about making a referral. You can also read through the resources and information on this site or simply call IFSN to discuss child development milestones.

Health and Safety

  • Wash my hands well before I eat
  • Expect I can get into many things and places, toddler proof inside and outside
  • Never leave me near any water source even for a minute or two
  • Keep me within your sight while you are on the phone
  • I can be a picky eater, offer choices of new foods but don’t force me to try
  • Don’t pretend that medicine or vitamins are ‘candy’ or a treat
  • Brush my teeth daily, toothpaste may be needed so check with my dentist
  • My appetite may decrease, but I still need milk and water to drink

                      

Last Updated: Feb 29, 2016