Learn More About Your Child’s Development: Developmental Monitoring and Screening [downloadable]

Developmental milestones (how a child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves)are things most children can do by a certain age. All young children need both developmental monitoring and developmental screening to help you and your child’s doctor, teachers, and other providers know if your child’s development is on track.

Developmental Monitoring

WHO: You — parents, grandparents, other caregivers
WHAT: Look for developmental milestones
WHEN: From birth to 5 years
WHY: To help you:

  • celebrate your child’s development
  • talk about your child’s progress with doctors and child care providers
  • learn what to expect next
  • identify any concerns early
HOW: With easy, free checklists – get yours at www.cdc.gov/Milestones

Developmental Screening

WHO: Healthcare provider, early childhood teacher, or other trained provider
WHAT: Look for developmental milestones
WHEN: Developmental Screening at 9, 18, and 30 months of age. Autism Screening at 18 and 24 months of age
WHY:  To find out:

  • if your child needs more help with development, because it is notalways obvious to doctors, child care providers, or parents
  • if more developmental evaluations are recommended
HOW: With a formal, validated screening tool – learn more at www.hhs.gov/WatchMeThrive

All young children need both developmental monitoring and developmental screening.

The best person to track your child’s development is you!

Share your child’s milestone checklist and any related information from your child’s teachers or other providers with the doctor at every well-child visit. Complete a milestone checklist by using CDC’s free Milestone Tracker app from the App Store or Google Play, or by printing a paper checklist from www.cdc.gov/Milestones.

What if your child is not reaching milestones as expected?

You know your child best. If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor about
your concerns and ask about developmental screening. For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/Concerned.

Don’t wait! Acting early can make a real difference. Download this tip sheet.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Learn More About Your Child’s Development: Developmental Monitoring and Screening, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/Develop-Monitor-and-Screen-English-and-Spanish-2021-P.pdf | Public domain. Last Reviewed: June 6, 2023

If you have concerns about your child or teen, CHC Care Coordinators can arrange a free 30-minute Care Consultation so you can explore options with an expert. We invite you to call or email us at 650.688.3625 or careteam@chconline.org to set up an initial Parent Consultation appointment. CHC teletherapy services are available now.

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