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 his or her 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 his or her 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.

 

Growth and Development Activities

Family can:

  • Let me feel different textures against my skin
  • Show me pictures of faces. Move them and have me follow the pictures with my eyes
  • Let me have some quiet time
  • Imitate my movements and expressions
  • Let me grasp objects in my hand, but make sure I do not put small objects in my mouth
  • Develop a regular daily routine
  • Make it easier for me to hear and learn the patterns of words. Talk slowly, raise the pitch of your voice, and say your words very clearly. When you repeat words and phrases that helps me learn
Last Updated: Feb 29, 2016