References: 

1. Canadian Paediatric Society- Your Child's Development, what to expect

2. Looksee Checklists

3. Pathways.org- All ages and milestones

4. Ages and Stages Questionnaire- age calculator

5. Ages and Stages- Engaging and Empowering Families Webinar

Why are developmental milestones important?

• Milestones are age-appropriate skills children develop to support their healthy growth and development.
• Every child is unique and will develop skills at different times.
• Milestone domains:
  • Cognitive (imitating, learning new skill, problem solving)
  • Personal/Social (positive relationships, attachment, self-help skills, autonomy)
  • Receptive and Expressive Speech and Language (gestures, imitation of sounds and words, following instructions)
  • Fine motor/small muscle use in hands/fingers (turning pages of books, eating, dressing, writing)
  • Gross motor/large muscle movement (sitting, standing, walking, climbing)

How do you measure a child's development?

Looksee Checklists are a helpful parent and professional tool with a list of skills that are typical for children in a specific age range. It is not a diagnostic tool, however it is Canadian and has been researched and approved as a valid checklist for child development.

• Ranges in age from one month to six years old
• Includes a list of expected age-appropriate skills and option to answer (yes, no)
• Provides tips and activities to support growth and development
• Is available in a variety of languages (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic)

How do I use a Looksee checklist?

• Use the checklist that matches the child’s age. If a child falls between two ages, use the closest age available
• If a baby is born premature (born before 37 weeks gestation), use the checklist for their corrected age (the age they would be if they were born on their due date)
• Chronological age (birthdate) - number of weeks early = corrected age 
• Example Baby is born on April 1st at 34 weeks gestation (6 weeks early) and testing is on July 1st. Chronological age is 3 months, corrected age is 1 month 18 days
• Contact a health care provider if there is more than one “no” answer or contact Niagara Parents for referral to Infant and Child Development Services

How can I help support my child's developmental milestones?

• Playing with your baby, helps to build confidence, relationships, and basic skills. They learn to imitate your sounds, facial expressions and actions
• Face to face interactions and building the attachment relationship by responding to baby's cues provides the foundation for trust and love
• Talk with your doctor if you are concerned at next Well Baby appointment
• Ask for help and keep up self-care for your mental health

Further Your Learning: 

1. Harvard University activities guide: Enhancing and practicing executive function skills with children from infancy to adolescence 
2. Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation's Provider Toolkit -- important developmental milestones relating to early literacy
3. Concurrent validity of the Ages And Stages Questionnaires and Bayley Developmental Scales in a general population sample
4. Canadian Paediatric Society- Playtime with your baby: Learning and Growing in the first year
5. Beststart.org- Health baby healthy brain

Sharable Resources for Clients:

1. Caring for Kids - Read, speak, sing to your baby: How parents can promote literacy from birth
2. Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation - Tips for talking, singing, playing, and reading (for babies and children under 5) 
3. Looksee Checklist
4. Infant and Child Development Services Program Brochure
5. Beststart.org- Tips for parents brain development
6. Executive Function Activities for babies 6-18 months old

Referral Sources:

1. Infant and Child Development Services

2. Niagara Children's Centre