Ages and Stages of Development: What to Look for in Your Child

The First Five Years are Key

Parenting your child is probably the most important and challenging job you will ever have. Our children are not born with "how-to" guides; however, today's parents are not facing this challenge alone. 

Below are a series of documents entitled "Your Child @." These documents take parents through their child's first five years, sharing highlights of what's happening at various stages of a child's development. All documents are in .pdf format.

School Readiness

It's never too early to start thinking about school readiness for your child. Mom's healthy habits during the prenatal period can impact early brain development and help lay the groundwork for a healthy childhood. After birth, families can provide opportunities for their child to participate in positive early learning and development experiences. These positive experiences include:

• The consistent presence of at least one caring, supportive, adult
• Positive interaction on a consistent basis with that caring adult
• Effective, consistent and positive discipline
• Opportunity to learn through exploration
• Support in mastering skills at their own pace and in their own style
• Exposure to developmentally appropriate toys, books and games
• Opportunities to interact with other children socially

Children who have had these early learning experiences demonstrate improved problem solving skills, motivation and academic achievement once they reach school.