The first three years of a child's life are an amazing time of development and what happens during those years stays with a child for a lifetime. That's why it's so important to watch for signs of delays in development and to get help if there is a suspicion of problems.
Recognizing early warning signs for childhood problems can improve a child's chances for a joyful and independent future. As a child develops, their skills expand each month. Doctors often refer to these skills as "developmental milestones."
Developmental Quick Check
By 4 months:
- Makes sounds other than crying
- Pays attention to faces and turns towards your voice
- Smiles in response to others
By 6 months:
- Rolls over by themselves
- Sits by themselves
- Babbles
By 9 months:
- Waves “bye-bye”
- Crawls on hands and knees
- Plays pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo
By 12 months:
- Pulling themselves up to stand
- Imitates simple sounds
- Picks up small objects
By 15 months:
- Takes steps on their own
- Says one or two words (besides Mama or Dada)
- Takes turns
By 18 months:
- Turns book pages and looks at pictures
- Says more simple words and imitates words and sounds
- Shows what they want by pointing or gesturing
By 24 months:
- Uses “no”
- Knows many words and puts two words together
- Understands simple direction
- Knows body parts
By 36 months:
- Can run and kick a ball
- Can say three+ word sentences
- Enjoys playing with other children
- Can solve simple problems
If your child is not demonstrating these skills, please call to schedule an assessment and CHOOSE ACHIEVA!
Early Intervention Referral Contacts for Services
Allegheny County:
Call The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers at (412) 885-6000 and request an evaluation.
If your child is found to be eligible for early intervention services, choose Achieva.
Washington County:
Call Washington County Human Services at (724) 229-2620 and request an evaluation.
If your child is found to be eligible for early intervention services, choose Achieva.
Westmoreland County:
Call Westmoreland Casemanagement and Supports, Inc. (WCSI) at (724) 837-1808 and request an evaluation.