Wisconsin Wayfinder: Tracking Your Child's Development

You are not alone on your journey. It can be hard to say out loud that you notice something different about your child. Are you wondering if they might be missing developmental milestones? Find tips and tools to track child development. Children’s resource guides can also provide you with additional information, including ways to discuss your concerns with health care professionals.

A checklist of early developmental signs

Developmental signs, or milestones, are skills that children gain as they develop and grow. These skills include:

• Language and communication
• Social and emotional understanding
• Learning, thinking, and problem-solving
• Movement and physical development

Here are some ways to track early child development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has milestone resources in many languages:

• See the CDC's developmental milestones
• download the CDC's free milestone tracker app for children ages two months to five years

Screening for developmental delays and disabilities

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends general development screening for children at 9, 18, and 30 months, and autism screening at 18 and 24 months, or when a family or provider has a concern.

• Find out more about Wisconsin programs for children with delays, disabilities, and a range of special health care needs.
• The CDC also has additional information for professionals—find developmental surveillance resources
  for healthcare providers

Why, when, and where to get help for your child

Children may not reach a milestone by a certain age. But if you have any concerns about your child’s development, don’t wait to reach out to a medical professional. A children’s resource guide can help you take the next step. Supports and services from the Birth to 3 Program could be especially helpful for parents of young children.