DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES*
Physical Characteristics
Gains 4-5 pounds/year and grows 2-2.5 inches/year
Motor Development
Walks a straight line
Hops on one foot
Climbs ladders, playground equipment
Throws ball overhand
Paints and draws with purpose
Threads small wooden beads on a string
Cognitive Development
Names 18-20 uppercase letters
Understands the concepts of “tallest”, “biggest”, “same” and “more”
Able to count to 20 or more; based more on memorizing then understanding
Speech and Language Development
Uses the prepositions “on,” “in,” and “under”
Produces elaborate sentence structure
Correctly uses past tense of verbs
Personal-Social Development
Enjoys role playing and make-believe activities
Establishes close relationships with playmates; beginning to have “best” friends
DEVELOPMENTAL ALERTS
Check with your child's pediatrician if by Five Years your child does NOT:
State own name in full
Recognize simple shapes: circle, square, triangle
Catch a large ball when bounced
Speech is understood by strangers
Have good control of posture and movement
Hop on one foot
Appear interested in, and responsive to, surroundings
Respond to statements without constantly asking to have them repeated
Dress self with minimal adult assistance; manage buttons, zippers
Take care of own toilet needs; have good bowel and bladder control with infrequent accidents
Did you answer yes to one or more of the developmental alerts?
- First and foremost, please contact your child's pediatrician. Your health care provider is your best resource if you have any questions or concerns.
- Secondly, would you like to speak with someone at Special Kids to learn more about how our services may benefit your child? Contact our Family Resources team to learn more.
*Developmental milestone survey adapted from Lynn Marotz and K. Eileen Allen's book Developmental Profiles: Pre-birth through Adolescence.