Developmental Milestones

Birth to 1 Month
Engages in motor activity that is primarily reflexive
Holds hands in a fist and does not reach for object
Eyes do not always work together and may appear crossed at times
Often synchronizes body movements to speech patterns of parent or caregiver
Crying and fussing are main forms of communication
Begins to establish a bonding relationship with parents and caregivers
2-3 Months
Retains hold of object (rattle)
Pushes down on legs when feet are placed on firm surface
Raises head and upper body on arms in prone position
Watches hands, others face intently
Enjoys familiar routines such as baths and diaper changes
Smiles in response to a friendly face or voice
4-7 Months
Transfers object from hand to hand
Uses raking grasp
Rolls from stomach to back and back to stomach
Imitates actions --- plays Peek-A-Boo
Laughs and squeals out loud
Responds to other peoples expression of emotions
8-12 Months
Creeps on hands and knees
Babbles and jabbers, imitates sounds
Says dada and mama
Drops toys repeatedly and intentionally, then looks for them
Offers toys and objects to others
Exhibits fear of strangers
12-24 Months
Walks alone
Scribbles spontaneously
Begins to enjoy looking at picture books
Finds hidden objects under -2-3 covers
Enjoys companionships of other children, but does not play cooperatively
Has episodes of separation anxiety
24-36 Months
Early in period begins to achieve toilet training
Makes vertical, horizontal, and circular strokes
Sorts objects by color
Uses pronouns; he, she, him, her
Plays make believe with animals, dolls, and people
Uses the word mine often

3-4 Years
Hops and stands on one foot for a few seconds
Uses scissors --- cuts across page
Names at a minimum red, yellow, blue
Asks questions --- why, where, how
Often plays parallel to others
Begins to share toys with others
4-5 Years
Prints some letters
Can count ten or more objects
Undresses independently, may be able to unbutton and unzip
Swings, climbs, kicks, and throws,
Likes to sings, dance, and act
Self-reliant in bathroom
5-6 Years
Rides a tricycle or wheeled toy with speed and skillful steering
Knows what a calendar is for, shows a beginning understanding of calendar time (days, weeks, seasons by end of
5th year)
Places objects from shortest to tallest
Engages in counting and sorting money
Produces speech that is almost entirely intelligible
Participates in group play and shared activities with other children, suggests imaginative and elaborate play ideas
6-7 Years
Loses baby teeth
Rides bike without training wheels
Folds and cuts paper into simple shapes
Recognizes some words by sight, attempts to sound out words
Clings to certain beliefs involving magic or fantasy (Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny)
Easily frustrated by self-perceived failures
Anxious to please, needs and seeks adult approval
Identifies seasons, major holiday, and activities associated with them
Names and correctly holds up right and left hand
7-8

Tends to be more cautious in undertaking challenging physical activities

Criticizes own performance (I didnt draw that right.)
Seeks out opportunities to participate in team activities and games
Begins taking an interest in what others thing and do --- different opinions, cultures, countries
Adds and subtracts multiple-digit numbers, learning multiplication
Likes jokes and riddles
Reads with ease and understanding
Intrigued with learning code words and using code language
Begins forming opinions about moral values and attitude

Sources: Allen, K. E & Morotz, L.R. (2007). Developmental profiles: Pre-birth through twelve. Thompson Delmar: Clifton Park, N.Y.
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five. (2012) Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center. Retrieved May 2015 from
World Wide Web: http://ecdc.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Developmental_checklists_Updated2012.pdf