Child Development

From birth to age 5, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. Work with your child’s healthcare provider and educators to help them grow into the healthiest version they can be.

Developmental milestones and checklists, such as this one from the CDC, can be used to determine if your child is generally developing at the right pace. Every child is different, so the exact time your child reaches milestones may differ from other children you know. Here are some additional materials and resources, including milestone-tracking tools, books, tips for monitoring development, and more.

No one knows your child’s accomplishments and behaviors better than you. If you are concerned that your child isn’t meeting milestones or may have a bigger problem with their development, talk to your pediatrician or primary care provider.

You do not need to wait for a doctor’s referral or a medical diagnosis to have your child’s growth and development screened. Many providers can assist you in completing an Ages & Stages Questionnaire or assist you in identifying a resource that can provide a developmental screening, including:

• Your child’s doctor at well-child visits
• Birth to Three staff – 1-800-305-3064 or find your local service coordinator
• Head Start staff – find a location near you
• Community Health Staff – find the office nearest you
• Local public school staff

Additional Resources:

Download Educational Resources

• Learn the Signs. Act Early (CDC)
• Birth to Three (South Dakota Department of Education)
• Head Start (South Dakota Department of Education)
• strongfamilies.sd.gov
• South Dakota Parent Connection
• Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition (Easter Seals) – be sure to share results with your provider