Developmental Milestones
Understanding Your Child's Growth
Understanding your child’s developmental milestones empowers parents to guide their learning, communication, and independence. TLC Therapy Services is here to support children and their families through every stage, respecting each child’s unique journey.
While every child develops at their own pace, awareness of milestones helps parents recognize potential needs for early therapeutic assistance. This guide, based on our expertise and that of other professionals, outlines core developmental milestones.
What Your Child Is Learning: Key Development Areas
Your child is evolving into an independent and self-assured individual, eager to showcase their expanding abilities. They’ll engage in more advanced conversations, develop closer friendships, and build on the skills they’ve been working on over the past few years. The major developmental milestones for this age, like those of the year before, may be more spread out over the year.
Language (communication and expression)
It’s not just about words! Your child uses their hands, face, and body to communicate. They’re learning how conversations work, how to follow simple directions, and how to express their needs and emotions.
Cognitive (thinking and learning)
Your child’s brain is busy figuring out how things work, remembering more, and starting to solve problems. They are beginning to understand cause and effect and how to approach challenges.
Social (making friends and feeling feelings)
Your child is learning to connect with others. They’re discovering how to play with friends, share toys, take turns, and manage emotions in different situations. These skills help them build happy and healthy relationships.
Movement (sensory skills and getting around)
Watching your child learn to crawl, sit, walk, and reach is incredible. They are gaining independence and control over their body and learning how to process all that they see, hear, smell, taste and touch. These skills help kids learn to control everything from their tiny fingers to big jumps, plus balance and holding things. Each new movement is a big step in their development.
Feeding (eating and mealtime skills)
Your child is exploring new foods, learning to feed themselves, and becoming more independent at mealtime. This stage marks an exciting transition from bottles to real food. They are learning how to appropriately use their hands for everyday living.
Milestones by Age and Stage
Every stage of your child’s life brings new and exciting developmental milestones. Understanding these milestones helps you support their growth in meaningful ways. Below is a breakdown of what to expect and how to encourage their progress during their first five years.
Infancy
(birth – 12 months)
In these early months, babies begin to recognize familiar voices, babble, and reach for objects. They start moving independently, whether by rolling, crawling, or sitting up.
Toddler years
(15 – 24 months)
Toddlers start experimenting with language, climbing, and exploring their environment. This is when they begin asserting independence, testing limits, and learning through trial and error.
Early preschool
(2 ½ – 3 years)
During this phase, children engage in pretend play, improve speech clarity, and start solving simple problems using their imagination and growing reasoning skills.
Preschool years
(3 – 4 years)
Vocabulary expands, and children begin asking more questions. They start playing cooperatively with peers, and their coordination improves as they refine motor skills.
Pre-K readiness
(4 – 5 years)
By this age, children can follow multi-step instructions, build early academic skills, and engage in structured activities with other children.
Not sure if your child is meeting expected milestones?
Have questions? TLC Therapy Services is here to help! Call us for an appointment at (770) 696-6649, or fill out the contact form below—we’re happy to guide you toward the right support.