Early Childhood Development

What are developmental milestones?

  • Developmental milestones are like checkpoints in a child's growth and development.

  • All children grow and learn new things differently. However, most children learn certain skills and behaviors by certain ages. Understanding these milestones or checkpoints in growth can help parents and caregivers understand normal development and identify concerns early.

  • You know your child best and should seek help and ask questions anytime you have a concern about how your child learns, acts, plays, moves, or speaks.

  • If you have concerns, please discuss them with your primary care provider and utilize the resources below to seek help.

adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics (healthychildren.org) and the Centers for Disease Control

Supporting Healthy Development

Effective Parenting Practices from CDC

This is a list of key parenting practices, identified by the CDC, that parents can use to help their children stay healthy, be safe, and be successful emotionally, behaviorally, cognitively, and socially. Visit the Centers for Disease Control Parenting Matters website for more information.

  • Following the child’s lead and responding in a predictable way

  • Showing warmth and sensitivity

  • Having routines and household rules

  • Sharing books and talking with children

  • Supporting health and safety

  • Using appropriate discipline without harshness

Parenting Tips by Age

CDC Positive Parenting Tips

  1. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/index.html for parenting tips for different childhood ages and stages.



From www.helpmegrowmn.org

  • Help Me Grow is a resource to help families understand developmental milestones and learn if there are concerns. This helps families take the lead in seeking additional support or referring their child for a comprehensive, confidential screening or evaluation at no cost. Parents may refer a child via Help Me Grow at any time.

    • If a child is referred, the family will be contacted to arrange for a screening or evaluation to determine if a child is eligible for Infant and Toddler Intervention or Preschool Special Education services in Minnesota.

    • Eligible children receive free services regardless of:

      • Income

      • Immigration status

  • Minnesota's Help Me Grow is an interagency initiative of the State of Minnesota Department of Education, Department of Health and Department of Human Services. We partner with all local service agencies.

  • Help Me Grow provides resources for parents, caregivers, and professionals to help understand early childhood development.

Please click here (or use the web address below) to visit the Help Me Grow website to learn more or to refer a child for evaluation.

Anyone may refer a Minnesota child!

Visit: www.helpmegrowmn.org

OR

Call: 1-866-693-4769

This program from the CDC provides resources for parents, caregivers, and professionals to understand and track early childhood development and to seek help if concerns develop.

The Milestone Tracker App from the CDC is a free resource available in English and Spanish that allows you to track your child's milestones starting at age 2 months until 5 years. The app also includes tips to promote healthy development, and guidance if you are ever concerned.

More information about this app is available by visiting the Learn the Signs. Act Early website, or by clicking the buttons below!

How-to-Get-Help-for-Your-Child_CombinedPDF_EngSpn-2-15-20_508.pdf

Early Childhood Screening

Early Childhood Screening is a free check of your child's growth and development. This screening is available to all children after their 3rd birthday. The state requires screening to be completed prior to starting kindergarten, or within 30 days of starting kindergarten. The best time to complete screening is at age 3 or 4. This way, if any developmental or health conditions are identified, they can be addressed.

In Eden Prairie, Early Childhood Screening is conducted by Community Education. For more information, or to sign your child up for screening: