Milestone

Quick Check

Early Learning & Development Checklist
  • Does your child respond to their name?
  • Does your child communicate wants or needs?
  • Does your child make eye contact or interact with others?
  • Can your child follow simple directions?
  • Does your child play with toys appropriately?
  • Can your child sit and participate in an activity for a few minutes?
  • Does your child enjoy songs, stories, or movement games?
  • Is your child developing new words, skills, or independence over time?

If you notice challenges:

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  • Calms when comforted by a familiar caregiver
  • Looks at faces during feeding, carrying, or interaction
  • Appears happy when a familiar person approaches
  • Smiles in response to a voice, smile, or playful interaction
  • Makes sounds other than crying
  • Reacts to voices and environmental sounds
  • Quiets, smiles, or becomes alert when spoken to
  • Takes turns making sounds with caregivers
  • Uses different cries or sounds for different needs
  • Watches people moving nearby
  • Looks at interesting objects for several seconds
  • Notices changes in sounds or activity
  • Shows interest in faces, objects, or movement
  • Becomes fussy or restless when bored
  • Holds head up briefly during tummy time
  • Moves both arms and both legs
  • Opens and relaxes hands at times
  • Turns head to both sides while lying on back
  • Turns head to both sides during tummy time
  • Shows improving head control when picked up or carried
  • Participates in supervised tummy time or floor play regularly
  • Smiles on their own to get your attention
  • Chuckles or laughs during playful interactions
  • Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention
  • Relaxes and enjoys being held by familiar caregivers
  • Recognizes familiar voices and may pause, smile, or calm when hearing them
  • Makes sounds such as "oooh" and "aahh"
  • Makes sounds back when someone talks to them
  • Turns toward familiar voices or sounds
  • Uses different sounds to express interest, excitement, or discomfort
  • Vocalizes during interactions with caregivers
  • Opens mouth when seeing the breast, bottle, or other feeding cues
  • Looks at their hands with interest
  • Recognizes the breast, bottle, or feeding routine
  • Looks at faces during feeding and interaction
  • Pays attention to people, objects, and activities nearby
  • Holds head steady without support when being held
  • Grasps a toy or object placed in their hand
  • Reaches toward or swings at nearby toys or objects
  • Brings hands to mouth
  • Pushes up onto forearms during tummy time
  • Shows improving head control when pulled gently to a sitting position
  • Tolerates and participates in tummy time regularly
  • Recognizes familiar people and responds differently to them than to strangers
  • Enjoys looking at themselves in a mirror
  • Laughs during social interactions and play
  • Shows excitement when familiar people approach
  • Enjoys interactive games, songs, and playful routines
  • Takes turns making sounds during interactions
  • Blows raspberries (sticks out tongue and blows air)
  • Makes squealing, laughing, and other playful sounds
  • Experiments with different pitches, volumes, and sounds
  • Responds when spoken to and engages in vocal back-and-forth interactions
  • Explores objects by putting them in their mouth
  • Reaches for toys or objects they want
  • Closes lips or turns away when they do not want more food
  • Watches objects as they move and disappear from view
  • Examines and explores objects with curiosity
  • Reaches for a dropped or nearby object
  • Shows increasing interest in people, objects, and everyday activities
  • Rolls from tummy to back
  • Rolls from back to tummy
  • Pushes up with straight arms during tummy time
  • Supports themselves with their hands while sitting
  • Brings feet to mouth while lying on their back
  • Pivots or turns in a circle while on their tummy
  • Brings hands together at midline
  • Briefly holds and explores a toy or object
  • Follows moving objects with their eyes in all directions
  • May be shy, cautious, or clingy around unfamiliar people
  • Shows different facial expressions such as happy, sad, surprised, or frustrated
  • Looks toward you when their name is called
  • Reacts when a familiar caregiver leaves
  • Smiles or laughs during interactive games such as peek-a-boo
  • Looks for familiar people when upset, tired, or needing comfort
  • Makes repeated sounds such as "mamama," "bababa," or similar syllables
  • Raises arms to be picked up
  • Recognizes the names of familiar people, objects, or routines
  • Responds to simple words and familiar voices
  • Pushes away unwanted objects, food, or activities
  • Uses sounds, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate needs and interests
  • Looks for an object that falls or is hidden from view
  • Explores objects in different ways, such as shaking, banging, or dropping them
  • Bangs two objects together
  • Anticipates familiar routines and activities
  • Shows curiosity about how objects move and interact
  • Raises arms or gestures to communicate a desire to be picked up
  • Gets into a sitting position independently
  • Sits without support
  • Transfers objects from one hand to the other
  • Uses fingers to rake food or small objects toward themselves
  • Reaches for and plays with toys while sitting
  • Uses hands to regain balance when unsteady in sitting
  • Moves around the environment by crawling, creeping, belly crawling, or another method
  • Keeps hands open and relaxed most of the time
  • Brings toys and objects to the mouth for exploration
  • Enjoys simple interactive games such as pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo, or songs with actions
  • Shows preferences for certain toys, people, or activities
  • Brings toys or objects to share with familiar people
  • Looks to familiar caregivers for comfort, reassurance, or attention
  • Shows excitement when participating in family routines and play
  • Waves "bye-bye" or uses other familiar gestures
  • Says "mama," "dada," or another special name for a familiar person
  • Understands simple words such as "no"
  • Responds to simple phrases such as "Come here," "Let's go," or "Where is Daddy?"
  • Points to request, show, or share interest
  • Gives objects when asked
  • Uses gestures such as reaching, clapping, waving, or blowing kisses
  • Tries to copy sounds, words, and gestures made by others
  • Uses sounds, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate needs and interests
  • Places objects into a container and may take them out again
  • Looks for objects they see being hidden
  • Uses trial and error to solve simple problems
  • Explores objects in different ways, such as dropping, banging, stacking, or placing them inside one another
  • Understands the purpose of familiar objects used in daily routines
  • Shows curiosity about how things work and what happens when they act on objects
  • Pulls to stand using furniture or other support
  • Cruises while holding onto furniture
  • Walks with one or both hands held
  • May stand independently for a few seconds
  • Moves between sitting, crawling, and standing without help
  • Crawls on hands and knees
  • Picks up small objects using thumb and index finger (pincer grasp)
  • Releases objects voluntarily into a person's hand or container
  • Drinks from an open cup when assisted
  • Turns several pages of a book at a time
  • Bangs two objects together
  • Places objects into containers
  • Stacks two blocks or similar objects
  • Enjoys moving to music, bouncing, or dancing
  • Copies what other children or adults are doing during play
  • Shows you objects they find interesting or exciting
  • Claps when excited or proud of an achievement
  • Shows affection to people, dolls, stuffed animals, or favorite toys
  • Gives hugs, cuddles, or kisses to familiar people
  • Enjoys sharing experiences and getting attention from others
  • Tries to say one or more words besides "mama" or "dada"
  • Looks at familiar objects when they are named
  • Follows simple directions when supported by words and gestures
  • Points to request something, get help, or share interest
  • Looks around when asked simple questions such as "Where is your ball?" or "Where is your blanket?"
  • Uses a combination of sounds, words, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate
  • Understands more words than they can say
  • Tries to use everyday objects appropriately, such as a cup, spoon, phone, or book
  • Stacks two or more small objects
  • Learns by watching and copying others
  • Explores how objects work through play and experimentation
  • Understands simple routines and what happens next in familiar activities
  • Searches for desired objects and people when they are not immediately visible
  • Takes a few independent steps
  • Walks independently with increasing confidence
  • Stands up from the floor without support
  • Squats to pick up an object and stands back up again
  • Crawls up stairs or other low climbing surfaces with supervision
  • Places toys and objects into containers and may take them out again
  • Claps hands together
  • Waves goodbye or uses other familiar gestures
  • Carries a toy or object while moving
  • Shows increasing balance and coordination during play
  • Explores independently but checks to make sure a familiar caregiver is nearby
  • Points to show interesting things to others
  • Participates in daily routines, such as washing hands or getting dressed
  • Enjoys looking at books with others
  • Helps during dressing by lifting arms, legs, or feet when asked
  • Uses gestures to express excitement, playfulness, or affection
  • Enjoys getting attention and reactions from others
  • Shows interest in playing near or with other children
  • Leads or pulls a familiar person toward something they want to share or show
  • Tries to say at least three words besides "mama" and "dada"
  • Follows simple one-step directions without needing gestures
  • Uses head shakes, nods, pointing, and other gestures to communicate
  • Uses a mix of sounds, syllables, and words that sound increasingly speech-like
  • Uses approximately 10–20 meaningful words
  • Uses words, sounds, or gestures to request more of something
  • Understands many more words than they can say
  • Communicates wants, needs, and interests through words, gestures, and facial expressions
  • Copies everyday activities such as sweeping, stirring, washing, or talking on a phone
  • Uses toys in simple pretend or functional ways
  • Identifies one or more body parts when named
  • Watches and imitates actions performed by others
  • Understands familiar routines and expectations
  • Shows curiosity about how things work and how to use objects
  • Walks independently without support
  • Runs, although they may still fall frequently
  • Climbs on and off furniture without help
  • Walks up stairs with support from a hand or railing
  • Crawls or scoots down stairs safely with supervision
  • Drinks from an open cup with occasional spilling
  • Feeds themselves using fingers
  • Begins using a spoon with assistance or emerging accuracy
  • Scribbles with a crayon, pencil, or similar tool
  • Uses both hands during play and daily activities
  • Points using their index finger
  • Shows improving balance, coordination, and mobility during play
  • Notices when others are hurt, upset, or crying and may pause, watch, or show concern
  • Looks to familiar caregivers for guidance in new or unfamiliar situations
  • Plays independently for short periods
  • Enjoys playing near or alongside other children
  • Expresses a range of emotions, including happiness, frustration, excitement, and disappointment
  • May have occasional tantrums as they learn to manage emotions
  • Participates in daily routines such as meals, dressing, and story time
  • Tolerates a variety of clothing, textures, and everyday experiences
  • Accepts a variety of foods and continues exploring new tastes and textures
  • Sits and attends to books, songs, or activities for short periods
  • Points to pictures in a book when named
  • Combines two or more words together, such as "more milk" or "my ball"
  • Points to body parts when asked
  • Uses gestures in addition to words, such as nodding, blowing kisses, or shrugging
  • Uses at least 50 meaningful words across different categories
  • Uses words to request help, objects, actions, or information
  • Begins using words such as "me," "mine," and "you"
  • Uses names or possessive forms to describe ownership
  • May refer to themselves by name
  • Understands many more words than they can say
  • Follows simple directions and everyday instructions
  • Uses one hand to hold an object while the other hand performs an action
  • Explores how toys and objects work by pressing buttons, turning knobs, opening containers, or activating switches
  • Uses several toys or objects together during play
  • Finds objects hidden under multiple coverings
  • Begins matching or sorting shapes, colors, or objects
  • Engages in simple pretend play, such as feeding a doll, talking on a toy phone, or cooking with toy utensils
  • Remembers familiar routines and anticipates what happens next
  • Solves simple problems through trial and error
  • Runs with increasing coordination
  • Kicks a ball forward
  • Walks up a few stairs with or without support
  • Feeds themselves using a spoon with improving accuracy
  • Jumps with both feet leaving the ground
  • Builds a tower of 3–4 blocks or similar objects
  • Places rings on a ring stacker or similar toy
  • Turns book pages one at a time
  • Carries toys or objects while walking
  • Climbs onto and off low furniture safely
  • Shows improving balance, coordination, and body control during play
  • Plays alongside other children and may begin playing with them
  • Shows pride in accomplishments and seeks attention by saying things like "Look at me!"
  • Follows simple daily routines when reminded
  • Enjoys helping with simple tasks such as cleaning up toys
  • Shows increasing independence while still seeking reassurance from familiar adults
  • Begins taking turns and sharing during play with support
  • Expresses a variety of emotions and begins learning simple ways to manage them
  • Uses about 50 words or more
  • Combines two or more words into short phrases and sentences
  • Uses action words such as run, eat, go, or play
  • Names familiar objects, people, or pictures in books
  • Uses words such as "I," "me," "mine," and "we"
  • Refers to themselves as "me" rather than only by name
  • Uses simple phrases that include numbers, such as "two dogs" or "three bananas"
  • Uses connecting words such as "and"
  • Frequently speaks in 3-word sentences or longer
  • Answers simple questions and participates in short conversations
  • Uses objects during pretend play, such as feeding a doll or pretending to cook
  • Solves simple everyday problems independently
  • Follows two-step directions, such as "Pick up the toy and put it on the table"
  • Identifies at least one color when named
  • Completes familiar songs, rhymes, or phrases
  • Understands and remembers familiar routines
  • Shares toys and materials with support
  • Uses imagination during play and everyday activities
  • Uses hands to twist, turn, and manipulate objects such as lids, knobs, and containers
  • Removes simple clothing items independently
  • Jumps with both feet leaving the ground
  • Turns book pages one at a time
  • Runs with improved balance and coordination
  • Climbs on and off furniture safely
  • Builds block towers and enjoys construction activities
  • Uses crayons, markers, or pencils to scribble and make simple marks
  • Shows increasing independence during self-care activities
  • Calms within a reasonable time after separation from a familiar caregiver
  • Notices other children and joins them in play
  • Participates in simple turn-taking games and activities
  • Shows interest in making friends and interacting with peers
  • May have some difficulty transitioning between activities but can usually move on with support
  • Shows a range of emotions and begins talking about feelings
  • Enjoys praise and sharing accomplishments with others
  • Uses imagination during play and may pretend to be a parent, teacher, caregiver, or other familiar role
  • Participates in conversations with at least two back-and-forth exchanges
  • Asks questions such as "who," "what," "where," and "why"
  • Describes actions in pictures, books, or everyday situations
  • States their first name when asked
  • Speaks clearly enough for familiar and unfamiliar people to understand most of the time
  • Uses 3–4 word sentences or longer
  • Uses plural words such as "birds," "cars," or "toys"
  • Uses action words such as "running," "eating," and "playing"
  • Talks about things that happened in the past
  • Requests additional items or activities using words
  • Understands simple time concepts such as "now," "soon," and "later"
  • Enjoys rhymes, jokes, silly ideas, and playful language
  • Talks to themselves during play to guide actions or tell stories
  • Draws a circle when shown how
  • Understands and follows simple safety warnings
  • Gives simple reasons for actions or events
  • Understands the concept of "two"
  • Identifies common colors
  • Shows curiosity by asking questions and seeking explanations
  • Matches real objects to pictures
  • Remembers recent events and experiences
  • Knows where familiar objects belong
  • Sorts objects by similarities and differences
  • Engages in pretend play using imagination and real-life experiences
  • Holds up fingers to show their age
  • May know their first and last name
  • Strings large beads, pasta, or similar objects onto a string
  • Puts on simple clothing items independently
  • Uses a fork with increasing skill
  • Balances on one foot for a few seconds
  • Jumps forward with both feet together
  • Pedals and rides a tricycle or similar ride-on toy
  • Draws using a crayon, marker, or pencil with improving control
  • Copies simple shapes such as a circle and may begin copying a cross
  • Opens and closes containers, turns knobs, and manipulates small objects
  • Begins using child-safe scissors with supervision
  • Runs, climbs, and plays with improving coordination and balance
  • Uses imagination during play and may pretend to be a teacher, parent, animal, superhero, or other character
  • Seeks opportunities to play with other children
  • Shows concern for others who are hurt, upset, or sad
  • Demonstrates increasing awareness of safety in familiar environments
  • Enjoys helping with simple tasks and responsibilities
  • Adjusts behavior based on different settings and expectations
  • Participates in cooperative play, sharing ideas and taking turns
  • Develops friendships and shows interest in belonging to a group
  • Speaks in sentences of four or more words
  • Recites parts of familiar songs, stories, or rhymes
  • Talks about events and experiences from their day
  • Answers simple questions about the purpose of objects
  • Uses comparison words such as bigger, smaller, longer, or shorter
  • Retells familiar stories from books, videos, or personal experiences
  • Understands and uses location words such as in, on, under, behind, and next to
  • Uses common grammar words such as a, an, and the
  • Engages in pretend reading independently or with others
  • Speaks clearly enough to be understood most of the time
  • Uses a wide variety of words to express ideas, feelings, and experiences
  • Participates in conversations and asks questions to learn more about the world
  • Names several common colors
  • Predicts what might happen next in a familiar story
  • Draws a person with three or more body parts
  • Recognizes familiar signs, symbols, logos, or environmental print
  • Pretends to write and may write some letters of the alphabet
  • Completes simple puzzles
  • Understands concepts such as same and different
  • Demonstrates early counting skills and recognizes some numbers
  • Begins to understand daily routines and simple time concepts
  • Describes the purpose of common objects
  • Takes turns during games and activities with increasing independence
  • Uses reasoning and imagination during play and problem-solving
  • Catches a large ball most of the time
  • Serves food or pours water with supervision
  • Unbuttons some buttons independently
  • Holds a crayon, pencil, or marker using fingers and thumb
  • Runs, jumps, climbs, and navigates playground equipment confidently
  • Begins skipping or performing more coordinated movement patterns
  • Hops on one foot
  • Participates in games such as hopscotch and other movement activities
  • Shows improving balance, coordination, and body control
  • Uses scissors with increasing accuracy and can cut simple shapes with supervision
  • Draws with greater control and begins creating recognizable shapes and pictures
  • Follows rules and takes turns during games and group activities
  • Enjoys performing for others through singing, dancing, storytelling, or pretend play
  • Completes simple household or classroom responsibilities independently
  • Cooperates with peers during play and shared activities
  • Demonstrates empathy by recognizing and responding to the feelings of others
  • Develops friendships and enjoys spending time with other children
  • Understands and follows expectations in different settings such as home, school, places of worship, or community events
  • Uses words to express feelings, preferences, and ideas
  • Tells stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end
  • Answers questions about stories, books, or experiences
  • Participates in conversations with multiple back-and-forth exchanges
  • Recognizes and uses simple rhyming words
  • Uses longer and more grammatically correct sentences
  • Connects ideas using words such as and, because, then, or after
  • Uses some irregular plural forms such as feet, men, or children
  • Understands and uses location words such as behind, beside, between, and next to
  • Uses time-related words such as yesterday, today, tomorrow, morning, and night appropriately
  • Speaks clearly enough to be understood by most people
  • Demonstrates early reading and writing behaviors
  • Identifies and plays with sounds in words, including rhyming and beginning sounds
  • Counts to 10 or beyond
  • Recognizes and names some numbers
  • Understands basic concepts of time and daily routines
  • Maintains attention during structured activities for 5–10 minutes or longer
  • Recognizes and writes some letters, especially those in their own name
  • Identifies and names multiple letters of the alphabet
  • Understands how books work, including recognizing the front cover and title
  • Recognizes their own written name
  • Draws detailed pictures, including a person with multiple body parts
  • Names at least four common colors
  • Understands simple problem-solving and can suggest possible solutions
  • Predicts outcomes and explains reasoning
  • Knows familiar personal information such as full name, age, and where they live
  • Identifies days of the week and other familiar sequences
  • Buttons and unbuttons some clothing independently
  • Hops on one foot
  • Skips, jumps, and performs more coordinated movement patterns
  • Climbs confidently on playground equipment and other safe structures
  • Demonstrates improving balance, strength, and coordination
  • Uses pencils, crayons, markers, and other writing tools with increasing control
  • Writes some letters and begins forming words
  • Manipulates small objects with precision
  • Participates in a variety of art activities such as drawing, painting, clay modeling, cutting, and crafting
  • Learns and practices skills such as swimming, skating, dancing, or organized sports when opportunities are available

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