Ages & Stages

Connecting Through Cuddling

Your Child’s Development

The early years (from birth to age 6) are an important time in your child’s life. During this period, we see incredible changes in the brain and rapid growth in all areas of development. Your child’s development is measured in milestones. The first smile, first steps and the first words are all important milestones to celebrate with your child. Many parents and caregivers find it useful to know what milestones a child typically reaches by certain ages.

In this section, you will find information on age-based milestones throughout the pre-school period. How your child plays, learns, speaks and acts provides important clues about their development. As a parent or caregiver, you are the ‘expert’ about your child, as you spend the most time with them and understand them. When you know what typical milestones are for a child at a certain age, you have a way to track their development and recognize whether there are any concerns. If you do have concerns about your child’s development, it is important to connect to someone in the community who can help. Links to early childhood supports can be found in our Regional Services Directory.

Check Early Check Often

The early years (from birth to age 6) are an important time in your child’s life. How your child plays, learns, speaks and acts provides important clues about their development. As a parent or caregiver, you are the ‘expert’ about your child, as you spend the most time with them and understand them. When you know what typical milestones are for a child at a certain age, you have a way to track their development and recognize whether there are any concerns.

The Family Action Network (FAN) has produced this video, featuring the voices of parents, early childhood professionals and community leaders to give information on the importance of checking your child’s development ‘early and often’ through the early years period.