Understanding Developmental Milestones
Posted: April 4th, 2019
Understanding Developmental Milestones
Number of sources: 3
Paper instructions:
An in-depth understanding of developmental milestones in infants and toddlers will help families and educators collaborate to promote healthy cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language development in young children.
For this assignment, you will create a digital handout for each of the ages listed (birth to 12 months; 13-24 months; 25-36 months; and 37-48 months) that could be emailed to families. The handouts should be professionally presented and visually appealing.
In each handout, you will explain developmental milestones children should achieve at each of the following ages. The handouts must include:
Description of cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language development characteristics and needs of a child at that age
Description of at least one milestone in each developmental area
Explanation of the long-term importance of each milestone
Two strategies families can use to help their children with development
Support your handouts with 3-5 scholarly references.
While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Write My Essay Today: No1 Essay Writing Service AU for Your Academic Papers – Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.
Birth to 12 Months
Cognitive Development
Lifts head while on tummy
Rolls over
Sits with support
Social/Emotional Development
Smiles and engages with caregivers
Shows interest in mirror images
Enjoys social play
Physical Development
Holds head up
Rolls over
Sits with support
Crawls
Language Development
Coos and babbles
Responds to sounds
Says “mama” and “dada”
Long-term importance: Meeting early cognitive and motor milestones provides a foundation for learning, coordination, and independence. Social engagement at a young age is important for bonding and emotional regulation. Reaching language milestones supports future communication and literacy skills.
Strategies for caregivers: Provide floor time for movement exploration. Engage in responsive talking, singing, and reading to promote language.
13 to 24 Months
Cognitive Development
Points to body parts
Places shapes in a shape sorter
Follows simple commands
Social/Emotional Development
Shows affection for familiar adults
Explores independently briefly
Experiences separation anxiety
Physical Development
Walks alone
Kicks a ball
Runs awkwardly
Throws objects
Language Development
Says several single words
Points to pictures in a book
Says two-word phrases
Long-term importance: Meeting cognitive milestones at this age builds problem-solving skills. Developing motor skills supports physical health. Social-emotional skills are crucial for forming relationships. Language skills are a predictor of academic success.
Strategies for caregivers: Provide opportunities for pretend play to support cognitive growth. Praise efforts and accomplishments to encourage confidence and cooperation. Read together each day to expand vocabulary.
25 to 36 Months
Cognitive Development
Sorts objects by color and shape
Names colors
Counts to 5
Social/Emotional Development
Plays alongside other children
Shows defiant behavior occasionally
Separates easily from caregivers
Physical Development
Pedals a tricycle
Climbs on playground equipment
Kicks ball forward
Runs with coordination
Language Development
Follows 2-3 step commands
Speaks in short sentences
Asks questions starting with “what”
Long-term importance: Meeting early math, science and problem-solving milestones provides a foundation for STEM learning. Motor skills support health and sports. Emotional skills help build relationships and manage big feelings. Language skills are crucial for academic success.
Strategies for caregivers: Provide opportunities for interactive reading to expand vocabulary. Encourage independent play with others to develop social skills. Praise efforts to build confidence.
37 to 48 Months
Cognitive Development
Names some letters
Counts 10 objects
Understands concepts like “same/different”
Social/Emotional Development
Engages in imaginative play
Cooperates with other children
Shows concern for others
Physical Development
Pedals and steers a tricycle
Catches a bounced ball most times
Climbs playground equipment skillfully
Runs, jumps, hops on one foot
Language Development
Speaks clearly in sentences of 5-6 words
Tells stories from pictures
Asks questions starting with “why” and “how”
Long-term importance: Reaching pre-academic milestones prepares for kindergarten. Developing fine motor coordination supports handwriting. Social skills are key for school success. Asking questions fuels curiosity essential for learning.
Strategies for caregivers: Provide arts, music and movement activities for well-rounded development. Model and encourage cooperation and sharing. Read together daily.
References:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Learn the signs. Act early. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
Zero to Three. (2021). Developmental milestones checklist. Retrieved from homework help writing assignment service https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/165-developmental-milestones-checklist
Child Development Institute. (2022). Child development stages. Retrieved from https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-development/developmental-milestones/#gs.2x6y4o