Developmental Tasks for Young Children

6 Months

• rolls from stomach to back
• reaches for toy
• transfers toy from one hand to other
• looks for noise made near him or her
• makes sounds for specific reasons (hunger, wet, etc.)
• helps hold bottle while drinking
• plays with toes
• pats mirror image
• puts everything in his or her mouth
• follows toys when held in front of eyes and moved

1 Year

• sits without support
• pulls to stand
• crawls on all fours
• understands "no" and "bye-bye"
• repeats sounds made by others
• feeds self cookies (may not be neat)
• waves bye-bye
• shy with strangers
• turns pages of book (more than one at a time)

2 Years

• walks well
• carries toy while walking
• speaks several understandable words
• refers to self by name
• recognizes self in mirror
• feeds self with spoon (may spill)
• drinks from a cup
• occupies self in play
• plays with an adult
• builds a tower of blocks
• shows body parts (eyes, nose, foot) when asked

3 Years

• goes up steps, two feet on a step
• walks on tiptoe
• runs easily
• unwraps candy
• names objects such as toys and food
• speaks in three word sentences, "me go home."
• pulls off sock as part of undressing
• helps adults by putting away toys and clothes (when asked)
• turns pages one at a time
• recites nursery rhymes
• shows interest in TV and radio

4 Years

• walks up steps, one foot on each step
• picks up small objects easily
• unbuttons buttons
• tells stories
• speaks in complete sentences, "I want a cookie"
• dresses self
• feeds self well
• washes face and hands
• is toilet trained
• gets along with other children
• imitates adults doing simple tasks
• builds a tower of 10 blocks
• copies a circle
• matches some objects and colors

5 Years

• hops and skips on one foot
• marches in time
• catches a ball with his or her hands
• speaks clearly and can be understood by others not in the family
• brushes his or her teeth
• cares for all toilet needs
• follows two directions, "Go get the ball and throw it to me"
• recognizes shapes
• copies a square, circle, triangle and cross
• recognizes coins
• counts to four

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