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Meeting with your pediatrician will help to keep your child's development on track. Dr. Bridget McArdle offers simple resassurance to parents who are worried that their young child might have developmental delays: "We can talk." McArdle, a pediatrician at Henry Ford Medical Center - Sterling Heights, said she wants parents to know that its OK to raise concerns about a child's physical or mental development. Sometimes, parents want to avoid the embarassment of raising what turns out to be an unfounded concern with a doctor. But McArdle promises that pediatricians aren't judgemental of parents looking out for their child's well-being.
Discussing your concerns with your pediatrician will be helpful. Early intervention is key. Such intervention is often enough to resolve issues before a child enters kindergarten, McArdle said. Almost all children benefit from receiving treatment as early as possible, when their young minds are most malleable, she said.
If you are concerned that your child may have a suspected disability or needs additional support, click on the "Get Connected" page to find out what you can do. Services are available through your public school district even though your child is not yet in kindergarten.
Important Milestones at 3 Years
Important Milestones at 4 Years
Important Milestones at 5 Years
How to Support Your Child's Development
Research states that what children learn in their first five years makes a significant impact on their entire life. Parents, grandparents, childcare providers and educators all contribute to a child's development by providing a positive environment in which they can learn.
There are six areas of early development to encourage:
Reading, singing, playing, laughing are all ways to encourage your child's development. The Born Learning campaign states that, "play is not simply a way for children to pass time. Instead, it is an important way for children to learn about their world while developing emotionally, socially, and intellectually. There's no right or wrong way to play." More resources found at: www.bornlearning.org
As a parent and your child's first teacher, there is no one better able to observe your child's development. The information provided will help you better understand what your child should be doing and leanring - and how you can support his/her early childhood development.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer information and resources about the development of your preschooler and much more.
The CDC provides parents with expert advice and tips on how to practice positive parenting skills.
Powered by pediatricians. Trusted by parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides information and resources for your preschooler.
Developmental resources and information to engage young children in experiences that help them grow.
Fun activities for parents and their toddlers.
Offers preschool worksheets and printables, activities, games and more.
Learn ideas about how you can engage your child's learning through everyday play activities at home and in the community.