Child Development and Growth
"The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Parents, health professionals, educators, and others can work together as partners to help children grow up to reach their full potential." - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018
What is Child Development?
Child development is the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy. It is a continuous process with a predictable sequence yet having a unique course for every child. Understanding how children grow and learn is critical to their overall health and well-being. To better understand the ages and stages of child development we’ve gathered some evidence and research-based resources for you to use as tools to support your child’s biological, psychological and emotional development.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Child Development
Easter Seals Ages & Stages Questionnaires® – Confidential Developmental Screening Tool
Healthy Children – American Academy of Pediatrics – AGES and STAGES
Raising Special Kids – Resources & Support for Children with Special Needs
Everyday experiences in a child's life are learning opportunities that parents and caregivers should take advantage of. A child's physical, nutritional, emotional, and social development—most of which occur at home or in child care — are just as important as his or her academic development.
Positive Parenting Tips
Information about developmental milestones and tips for things that parents can do to help their children during each stage.
Child development is the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy. It is a continuous process with a predictable sequence yet having a unique course for every child. Understanding how children grow and learn is critical to their overall health and well-being. To better understand the ages and stages of child development we’ve gathered some evidence and research-based resources for you to use as tools to support your child’s biological, psychological and emotional development.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Child Development
Easter Seals Ages & Stages Questionnaires® – Confidential Developmental Screening Tool
Healthy Children – American Academy of Pediatrics – AGES and STAGES
Raising Special Kids – Resources & Support for Children with Special Needs
Everyday experiences in a child's life are learning opportunities that parents and caregivers should take advantage of. A child's physical, nutritional, emotional, and social development—most of which occur at home or in child care — are just as important as his or her academic development.
Positive Parenting Tips
Information about developmental milestones and tips for things that parents can do to help their children during each stage.
- Infants (0-1 year of age)[PDF – 806 KB]
- Toddlers (1-2 years of age)[PDF – 784 KB]
- Toddlers (2-3 years of age)[PDF – 784 KB]
- Preschoolers (3-5 years of age)[PDF – 784 KB]
- Middle Childhood (6-8 years of age)[PDF – 774 KB]
- Middle Childhood (9-11 years of age)[PDF – 698 KB]
- Teens (12-14 years of age)[PDF – 686 KB]
- Teens (15-17 years of age)[PDF – 686 KB]