Introduction

These indicators of development were selected from widely accepted and detailed lists of development milestones. They were selected to focus on learning; many responses that would be checked in a normal paediatric examination are not included. More detailed information on indicators of development for the early years can be found in sources listed in the bibliography.

Development indicators show in general what we can expect children to be doing at different ages, but all children are different. One child may walk at nine months and another may walk at 15 months. One child may be very active and another may need a lot of sleep. Children often focus on one aspect of development and leave another 'on hold' until they are ready to return to it. For example, speech may be 'on hold' whilst the child explores the new skill of walking.

For a child about whom there is concern a more comprehensive set of development indicators would provide a better reference point. Expert help should be sought as soon as possible for a child who is falling well outside the normal range of indicators.

When There is Cause for Concern

These indicators show only broad development milestones through the early years. They are not a diagnostic screen and do not take the place of a clinical paediatric assessment. If a child's development falls well outside the listed indicators, advice should be sought as soon as possible. The first point of contact for advice or reassurance may be a local child-health centre, child-care worker or a teacher trained in early childhood education.

When judging a child's development we must take into account factors in the child's background such as recent illness, stress, social environment and opportunities to learn. We may also need to adjust the indicators when judging the development of premature babies.

Alert Indicator

The alerts shown with each set of indicators are prompts for action if a child does not show critical elements of development.

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