After The First Year

Your child is going through many physical and mental changes. Child development information can help parents know when they are expecting too much from a child as well as become aware of lags in development th at may benefit from professional help.  

15-18 months

• points to one or more body parts
• understands simple commands
• has 15-to 20-word vocabulary
• names objects and pictures during reading
• follows simple directions

2 years

• climbs stairs, one step at a time
• can kick a ball
• is able to stack blocks
• follows two-step commands

3 years

• can balance on one foot
• is able to jump in place
• knows his name, age and gender
• is able to draw a circle and a cross
• eats and dresses by himself with supervision

4 years

• sings songs
• has gender awareness
• understands the difference between fantasy and reality
• knows first name and last names
• verbalizes daily activities and experiences
• can build a block tower up to 10 blocks high
• is able to hop
• is able to throw a ball overhand

5 years

• dresses without help
• has address and telephone number memorized
• counts on fingers
• is able to draw triangles and squares
• draws a person with a head, body, arms and legs
• can print some letters 
• plays dress-up and make-believe

6-7 years

• all the consonants and vowels should be mastered
• vocabulary comprehension is about 20,000 words
• the concept of time should be understood
• the alphabet and one-syllable words can be printed
• can read approximately 10 words
• can count to 100

8 and above

• reading skills will emerge and improve during the early school years
• friendships will become important and long lasting during the school years
• physical growth begins to increase rapidly between ages 10 to 12
• independence from family begins around age 10