PT DEVELOPMENTAL & LEARNING MILESTONES CHECKLIST

The first five years of a child’s life are very important. It is during this time that the child rapidly meets many developmental milestones. They learn to move, communicate, and interact with the environment around them.

Some children have difficulties with learning and development which can be detected early. Observation and development models are tools that can help a parent evaluate their child’s progress. Early childhood screening can detect problems as well.

Look at the general developmental models for 2, 3, and 4 year old children. Keep in mind, not all children develop at the same rate but the following check lists will enable parents to “keep an eye out” for areas of concern. If your child has trouble with any of the listed items and you are uneasy, I can help you assess whether your child may need special help.

Milestones

By 6 months:

Rolls from stomach to back, lifts head and chest when on stomach with weight on forearms. Pushes up on hands when on stomach. Sits leaning on hands bears almost all weight through legs

By 12 months:

Lowers into sitting position Stands alone well. Walks without support (12-15 months)can prevent falling backwards by extending arms behind them.

By 18 months:

Propels ride on toy without pedals. Kicks ball forward and can climb on adult chair and turns around runs fairly well.

By 24 months:

Jumps forward and can stand on tip toes. Catches large ball and imitates one foot standing

By 3 yrs:

Jumps forward at least two feet and walks down stairs alternating feet. Catches 8 inch ball and can kick a ball rolled to them.

By 4 yrs:

Maintains momentum on a swing, can gallop forward. Completes a forward roll.

Links

Pathways.org - free tools and information to help maximize your child's development
www.pathways.org

Healthy Children.org - general parenting information that is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics
www.healthychildren.org

American Physical Therapy Association - info about what physical therapy is all about
apta.org

Partners in Therapy - I am happy to partner with the following therapy professionals in our community. Their experience and reputations speak for themselves.

• ​Potentia Therapy, Inc. - Integrative Mental Health Practice treating the whole person and the whole spectrum of mental heal issues through psychotherapy, play therapy, nutrition and wellness therapy, yoga, workshops, groups and community events. Offering specialized support for those struggling with anxiety+trauma, food +body issues, perfection + shame struggles.

• Kids on the Point OT - offering pediatric occupational therapy services to children; from birth to young adulthood. Focused on supporting children to fully engage in those activities that occupy their time and spirit through play.
• Funshine Speech Therapy - providing individualized speech services to children, young adults and small groups in the setting that is most convenient for the family. Emphasizing a child/ family centered approach and individualizing treatment to each child's unique needs.
• Learning for All - ​offering private, one-on-one tutoring for students struggling with reading, spelling, writing, math and thinking skills using evidence-based, multi-sensory, systematic instruction that helps students with learning challenges to master concepts according to the ways their unique brains process information.