Early Childhood Developmental Milestones

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• Uses simple gestures, such as waving "bye" and shaking "no" 
• Says "mama" and "dada"
• Responds to own name
• Plays simple games, like "peekaboo"
• Picks up small things using fingers and thumb
• Looks for hidden toys

• Says several single words
• Points to show others something interesting
• Points to ask for things
• Follows simple directions ("Give me...")
• Starting simple pretend play, such as feeding a doll
• Copies simple actions
• Walks well 

• Puts together 2 word phrases  
• Combines toys in play 
• Takes one thing and pretends it is something else (i.e., a block is food)
• Plays next to other children (parallel play)
• Uses a variety of gestures
• Points to things or pictures when they're named
• Kicks a ball

• Joins other children in play
• Takes turns in games
• Carries on a conversation using 2 to 3 sentences
• Talks well enough for others to understand most of the time
• Asks and answers simple questions
• Separates easily from parents
• Copies a circle and a cross

• Enjoys role play and pretends to play different characters
• Plays cooperatively with peers 
• Likes to help
• Answers questions about a story
• Names some colors and shapes
• Holds crayons correctly
• Draws a person with 2 to 4 body parts

• Speaks very clearly
• Counts to 10
• Tells a simple story using full sentences
• Can print some letters and numbers
• Pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes
• Can tell what's real and what's make believe
• Follows rules in games
• Likes to sing, dance, and act

 Adapted from cdc.gov/Milestones.