In order to continue offering quality care, we need to be aware of developmental milestones

Date : Friday, October 16 2009
Source: Autourina Mains

Toddlers are growing fast and developing new and exciting skills.  Their walking skills are stronger, and they are able to communicate their needs verbally.  Toddlers are full of character and love to show you what they can do and practice their independent.  Developmental milestones are a fun of way to check your toddler’s skill progression.
Keep in mind that these milestones are only a general guideline as each child develops at his/her own pace. This is a fun stage and here are some of the skills they are working on:

2 years old

Social

• Imitates behavior of others, especially adults and older children
• More aware of herself as separate from others
• More excited about company of other children
• Demonstrates increase independence
• Begins to show defiant behavior
• Separation anxiety increases toward midyear then fades

Cognitive

• Finds objects even when hidden under two or three covers
• Begins to sort by shapes and colors
• Begins make-believe play

Language

• Points to object or picture when it’s named for him
• Recognizes names of familiar people, objects, and body parts
• Says several single words (by 15 to 18 months)
• Uses simple phrases; Uses 2- to 4-word sentences  (by 18 to 24 months)
• Follows simple instructions
• Repeats words overheard in conversation

Small and large motor

• Walks alone
• Pulls toys behind her while walking
• Carries large toys or several toys while walking
• Begins to run
• Stands on tiptoe
• Kicks a ball
• Climbs onto and down from furniture unassisted
• Walks up and down stairs holding on to support

3 years old

• Climbs well and walks up and down stairs, alternating feet (one foot per stair step)
• She can kick the  ball, run easily, pedal a tricycle
• Bends over easily without falling
• Shows interest in writing material and can make circular lines with pencil or crayon
• Shows interest in books and reading and is able to turn pages one at a time
• Hand and finger control are more developed and she can screws and unscrews jar lids, nuts, and bolts
• Makes mechanical toys work
• Is developing pretend play skills and begins playing with dolls, animals, and people and Imitates adults and playmates
• Is able to sorts objects by shape and color
• Likes puzzles and is able to completes simple three or four piece puzzles
• Is developing math skills and is able to understand the concept of “two”
• Should be able to follow a two- or three-part command
• Has concept of some of the prepositions (“on,” “in,” “under”)
• Uses 4- to 5-word sentences and is able to understand most sentences spoken to
• Should be able to say his name, age, and sex and can use pronouns “I, you, me, we, they” and some plurals (cars, dogs, cats)
• Has intelligible speech and strangers can understand most of her words
• Likes to show affection for friends and  playmates
• Grasps the concept of taking turns in games
• Understands concept of “mine” and “his/hers”
• Expresses a wide range of emotions and likes to show affection
• Separation from parents is easier
• Change in routine may not be welcome