Below are a few reference tools to help you know when a concern for your child’s development may be warranted.  Please note that all children develop at their own pace.  Your child may have skills scattered throughout different age levels.  These lists are not meant to be used as diagnostic tools.  They are meant to reference ages at which most typically developing children gain these skills.

Milestone Moments is a helpful resource from the Centers for Disease Control’s Child Development page.  Click on the links below for more information.

• Milestone Moments English

• Milestone Moments Spanish

The following was compiled by the Early-In Special Education Preschool team as a more concise list of general developmental skills by age level.
If you do not see a skill that you are concerned about, refer to the Milestone Moments above for a broader comparison.

1 – 2 years

• Imitates behavior of others

• Enjoys being near other children

• Demonstrates increasing independence

• Shows some defiant behavior

• Begins make-believe play

• Begins to sort by shape/color

• Points to objects/pictures when named

• Points to body parts

• Says several single words (by 15-18 months)

• Uses simple phrases (by 18-24 months)

• Imitates words others say

• Walks alone

• Climbs onto and down from furniture

• Walks up and down stairs holding on

• Scribbles

• Builds a tower of 4 or more blocks

2 – 3 years

• Jump in place, two feet together

• Stand on one foot, unaided

• Kick ball forward

• Throw ball

• Snip with scissors

• Hold the crayon with your thumb and finger

• Imitate vertical, horizontal, and circular strokes on paper

• Match shapes

• Can tell how many – 1 or 2

• Roll, pound, squeeze clay material

• Follow simple directions

• Play near other children

• Identify objects by their use

• Imitate words heard

• Communicate using short phrases

• Assist with dressing/undressing

3 – 4 years

• Balance on one foot for 5 seconds

• Pedal a tricycle

• Throw a ball with direction and catch the ball

• Copy a circle, imitate a cross on paper

• Scribble, holding crayon correctly

• Match/sort objects by color and shape

• Rote count to 5/count objects to 3

• Know own name and age

• Know phrases of songs

• Listen to a short story (5 minutes)

• Share toys, take turns

• Pretend to play with dolls and people

• Stay on the activity of choice for 5 minutes

• Follow 2-step commands

• Communicate in 3-4 word sentences

• Use pronouns (I, you, me) and plurals

• Use the toilet independently

4 – 5 years

• Hop on one foot

• Run and change direction without stopping

• Draw a person with four body parts

• Dress/undress/use toilet by self

• Know right from left

• Use scribbles and some letters to write

• May copy some letters and shapes

• Identify own name in print

• Count 10 or more objects

• Able to copy/extend a simple pattern

• Name at least four colors correctly

• Stay on the activity of choice for 10 minutes

• Say your name and address

• Verbalize your own feelings

• Carry on a conversation on one topic

• Know the function of money

• Want to please friends/be like them

• Early-In Special Education Preschool Homepage

• Meet the Team

• Activities for Families

• Behavior Management

• Concerns: First Step

• Developmental Milestones

• Early In Brochure

• Exceptional Children Beginner's Fair

• Exceptional Children's Services

• Family Routine Guide

• Helpful Links

• New to Cumberland: First Steps

• Potty Training Tips

• Social Skills

Early-In Special Education Preschool
396 Elementary Dr
Fayetteville, NC 28301

Phone: 910-484-6761
Fax: 910-484-6956

Shanaira Walker, Program Specialist

Exceptional Children's Services
2465 Gillespie Street
Fayetteville, NC 28306

Phone: (910) 678-2440
Fax: (910) 678-2620

Ayanna Richard 
Executive Director

John A. McMillan