Child development
Child development is the process of children learning and mastering skills such as sitting, talking, walking, skipping and tying shoes. A developmental milestone is a distinct skill a child acquires within a specific time frame; milestones equate to normal growth in children. For instance, babbling and walking are developmental milestones that most children reach by 12 months. Child developmental milestones usually develop in a sequential fashion, with each milestone that a child acquires building on the last developmental milestone reached.
Having been the subject of considerable research, comprehensive information exists today about child developmental milestones. Using this information, parents and professionals can compare a particular child's growth to typical milestones to determine how that child is doing.
While developmental milestones represent typical growth in children, young children do develop differently. Some differences may mean nothing more than a child is experiencing slight delays. For instance, some children begin talking by 15 months while others develop language later. However, significant delays, halts in development or regression in skills — meaning skills once had are lost — may be a cause for concern and investigation.
The resources provided in this section include:
- guidance for addressing concerns when a child's development doesn't seem to be on a typical path;
- overview information on child development milestones, plus checklists for determining whether a child needs developmental screening; and
- information on developmental screening and screening tools that can be used by parents and professionals when children need further assessment.
Updated: August 2, 2011