Developmental Guide

Often in young children chronic neglect can lead to delays in a child's behavior and abilities. For mandated reporters who work with young children, it is important to recognize significant developmental delays. Click here for a guide to a young child's development. Keep in mind all children grow and develop at different rates and not all developmental delays are the result of neglect or abuse. 

AGE ONE MONTH: Rises head slightly off floor or bed when lying on stomach. Holds head up momentarily when supported. Briefly watches and follows object with eyes. Avoids mildly annoying sensations. Some "noise in throat" sounds. 

AGE TWO MONTHS: Holds head erect, bobbing when supported in sitting position. Follows moving person with eyes. Imitates or responds to a smiling person with occasional smile. Vocalizes. 

AGE THREE MONTHS: Lifts head and chest when lying on stomach. Vigorous movement. Head control is improving. Recognizes bottle or breast. Coos, chuckles. 

AGE FOUR MONTHS: Good head control. Rolls from side to side. Takes object, such as a pencil, held near hand. May begin reaching. Follows moving object when held in sitting position. Laughs aloud. Enjoys play. 

AGE SIX MONTHS: Sits with a little help, rolls from back to stomach. Transfers object from hand to hand and from hand to mouth. Babbles more than two sounds. 

AGE NINE MONTHS: Sits alone-changes position without falling. Plays with 2 objects at the same time. Creeps or crawls. Says mama-baba. 

AGE TWELVE MONTHS (1 year): Pulls self to standing-may step with support. Picks things up with thumb up and one finger. Stacks two blocks. Gives toy on request. Gives affection. Follows simple directions accompanied by gestures. May say 2 or 3 words. 

AGE FIFTEEN MONTHS: May walk without support. Stacks 3 blocks. Vocalizes voice up and down. Sounds like conversation. May use 4 or 5 words. Some self-feeding. 

AGE EIGHTEEN MONTHS: Walks-may run a bit. Climbs up or down one stair. Likes to pull toys. Likes being read to. Makes mark with crayon on paper. Partially feeds self. May use 5-10 words.  

AGE TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS (2 Years): Kicks large ball. Turns pages (2 or 3 at at time). imitates housework. Recognizes familiar picture-knows if upside down. Asks for items by name. Uses 2 or 3 words together, such as "more juice". 

AGE THIRTY-SIX MONTHS (3 Years): Walks up stairs. Stands momentarily on one foot. Rides tricycle. Feeds self. Opens door. Verbalizes toilet needs. 

AGE FORTY-EIGHT MONTHS (4 Years): Hops in place. Throws ball over head, catches ball bounced to him. Copies circle. Points to 6 basic colors. Knows own sex, age, last name. Begins to play with other children. Uses sentences with correct grammar, such as "May I go to the store?" "I want a big cookie." Washes hands unassisted. 

AGE SIXTY MONTHS (5 Years): Walks backward heel-toe. Runs on tiptoe. Prints a few capital letters. Recognizes own printed name. Cuts food with knife. Plays with others. Responds by showing penny, nickel, dime. Answers verbally to "hi" and "how are you." Laces shoes.

Source: From crib to kindergarten: a guide to your child's development. Michigan State Board of Education and Michigan Department of Education. P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, Michigan 48909. 

If you see a significant delay in a young child that you work with and you do not believe it is associated with neglect, please call 1-800-EarlyOn for more information about help for the child.