Milestones
Developmental Milestones in Children
Every child grows and develops at their own pace. Developmental milestones help providers and families track how children are learning, moving, communicating, and interacting with the world around them. At Health Care for Children, we partner with families to support healthy development while recognizing that variation is normal.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are skills or behaviors that most children achieve within a certain age range. They help track progress in several key areas of development and guide conversations about support when concerns arise.
Areas of Development
Milestones are often grouped into four main areas:
- Gross motor skills (sitting, crawling, walking, running)
- Fine motor skills (grasping objects, drawing, using utensils)
- Language and communication (sounds, words, understanding)
- Social and emotional development (play, interaction, emotional regulation)
Why Milestones Matter
Tracking milestones helps identify strengths as well as areas where a child may benefit from extra support. Early identification of concerns allows families to access helpful resources sooner, which can make a meaningful difference over time.
What You Can Do at Home
Parents can support development by:
- Talking, reading, and singing with your child
- Encouraging play and exploration
- Limiting screen time based on age recommendations
- Offering opportunities for movement and problem-solving
- Providing routines that support sleep, nutrition, and emotional security
When to Call Us
Call our office if you notice:
- Loss of skills your child previously had
- Delays in speech, movement, or social interaction
- Difficulty with attention, learning, or behavior
- Concerns raised by teachers or caregivers
- You feel unsure or worried about your child’s development
📞 Call (816) 792-1170 and select option 3 to reach nurse triage.
How We Support Development
During well-child visits, providers routinely monitor growth and development using age-appropriate screenings and conversations. If concerns arise, we may recommend additional screening tools, referrals to early intervention programs, therapy services, or specialists as needed. Our goal is to provide clarity, reassurance, and next steps tailored to your child.
Early Intervention and Support Services
Early intervention programs offer evaluation and therapy services for eligible children, often at low or no cost to families. Accessing support early can help children build skills and confidence during important stages of growth.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, we’re here to help.
Request an Appointment through our online form, or call our nurse triage line for guidance.
