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(Ages 0-4)
Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move.
Developmental milestones related to language and communication are important building blocks for children learning to read when they get older.
If you have concerns about your child’s development, there are many resources to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to your child’s doctor, teacher, or get support from other families who have similar concerns.
1. Fill out a milestone checklist
2. Talk to your child's doctor
3. Ask your doctor for a developmental screening
Click below to see milestones by age.
Help Me Grow San Mateo County offers free developmental screenings and other support to families with questions about development. Their coordinators speak English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
AbilityPath’s Family Resource Center provides support, information, and referral services to families of children with developmental disabilities from 0-22 years old. The support line is staffed by parents who share the common experience of parenting a child with developmental disabilities.
You can request an assessment at the Golden Gate Regional Center.
Phone: 888-339-3305
Email: intake@ggrc.org
You can request an assessment from your local school district.
When you call your child’s doctor’s office, say, “I would like to make an appointment to see the doctor because I am concerned about my child’s development.”
Be ready to share your specific concerns about your child when you call. If you wrote down notes about your concerns, keep them. Your notes will be helpful during your visit with the doctor.
Ask the doctor for a developmental screening for your child. If your doctor is not able to give you a developmental screening, contact Help Me Grow.
When you talk to your child’s teacher or playgroup leader say, “I am concerned about my child’s development and would like to talk with you about their progress. Can you help me or connect with someone who can?”
Be ready to share your specific concerns about your child. You may also be asked for some general information about yourself and your child.
Write down who you speak to, the date, and what was said; you might need this information later.
When you call the regional center intervention services office (if your child is not yet 3 years old), say, “I am concerned about my child’s development and would like to request an evaluation. Can you help me or let me speak with someone who can?”
Be ready to share your specific concerns about your child. You will also be asked for some general information about yourself and your child (your name, your child’s name and age, where you live, and more).
Write down who you speak to, the date, and what was said; you might need this information later.
When you call the school district (if your child is 3 or older), say, “I am concerned about my child’s development and would like to talk with someone about having my child evaluated. Can you help me or let me speak with someone who can?”
Be ready to share your specific concerns about your child. You will also be asked for some general information about yourself and your child (your name, your child’s name and age, where you live, and more).
Write down who you speak to, the date, and what was said; you might need this information later.
Tips come from the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the OLC.