Developmental
Checklists
Birth to Five
If you are concerned about your child's development,
contact the Mid-State ECDC for information on screening, evaluation, and assessment.
Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center
Syracuse University, 805 S. Crouse Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13244-2280
Phone: 315-443-4444 Toll-free: 1-800-962-5488 Fax: 315-443-4338
E-mail: ecdc@[Link] website: [Link]
Adapted by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center from:
The American Academy of Pediatrics: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child Birth to Age 5: The Complete and Authoritative
Guide. Shelov, S. P., & Hannemann, R. E. (1994). New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub.
Hawaii Early Learning Profile (HELP)- Vort Corporation, P.O. Box 60132, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Revised Checklist 2004
IDA- Infant Toddler Developmental Assessment- : Provence, Sally M.D., Erikson, Joanna, M.P.H., Vater , Susan, Ed. M, Palmeri,
Saro, M.D. Riverside Publishing Company, 8420 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631, 1995
ASQ and ASQ-SE-Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company, P.O. Box10624, Baltimore, Maryland, [Link], May
2010
Revised 2012
DEVELOPMENTAL CHECKLIST - 1 TO 3 MONTHS
CHILD’S NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PARENT OR GUARDIAN:
DATE
MILESTONES
OBSERVED
MOTOR
Retains hold of object/rattle (1-2mos.)
Brings hands towards center of body when lying on back (1-2 mos.)
Raises head and cheek when lying on stomach (3 mos.)
Supports upper body with arms when lying on stomach (3 mos.)
Stretches legs out when lying on stomach or back (2-3 mos.)
Opens and shuts hands (2-3 mos.)
Pushes down on his legs when his feet are placed on firm surface (3 mos.)
COGNITIVE
Responds to voice i.e. turn to, wiggle, reacts (0-1 mos.)
Watches face intently (2-3 mos.)
Follows moving objects (2 mos.)
Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance (3 mos.)
Starts using hands and eyes in coordination (3 mos.)
LANGUAGE
Makes sucking sounds (1-2 mos.)
Smiles at the sound of voice (2-3 mos.)
Cooing noises; vocal play (begins at 3 mos.)
Attends to sound (1-3 mos.)
Startles to loud noise (1-3 mos.)
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Makes eye contact (0-1 mos.)
Begins to develop a social smile (1-3 mos.)
Enjoys playing with other people and may cry when playing stops (2-3 mos.)
Becomes more communicative and expressive with face and body (2-3 mos.)
Imitates some movements and facial expressions
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center - 2012
Page 2
DEVELOPMENTAL RED FLAGS (1 TO 3 MONTHS)
Doesn’t seem to respond to loud noises
Doesn’t follow moving objects with eyes by 2 to 3 months
Doesn’t smile at the sound of your voice by 2 months
Doesn’t grasp and hold objects by 3 months
Doesn’t smile at people by 3 months
Cannot support head well at 3 months
Doesn’t reach for and grasp toys by 3 to 4 months
Doesn’t bring objects to mouth by 4 months
Doesn’t push down with legs when feet are placed on a firm surface by 4 months
Has trouble moving one or both eyes in all directions
Crosses eyes most of the time (occasional crossing of the eyes is normal in these first months)
COMMENTS:
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center - 2012
Page 3
DEVELOPMENTAL CHECKLIST - 4 TO 7 MONTHS
CHILD’S NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PARENT OR GUARDIAN:
DATE
MILESTONES
OBSERVED
MOTOR
Pushes up on extended arms (5 mos.)
Pulls to sitting with no head lag (5 mos.)
Sits with support of his hands (5-6 mos.)
Sits unsupported for short periods (6-8 mos.)
Supports whole weight on legs (6-7 mos.)
Grasps feet (6 mos.)
Transfers objects from hand to hand (6-7 mos.)
Uses raking grasp (not pincer) (6 mos.)
COGNITIVE
Plays peek-a-boo (4-7 mos.)
Looks for a family member or pet when named (4-7 mos.)
Explores with hands and mouth (4-7 mos.)
Tracks moving objects with ease (4-7 mos.)
Finds partially hidden objects (6-7 mos.)
Grasps objects dangling in front of him (5-6 mos.)
Looks for fallen toys (5-7 mos.)
LANGUAGE
Laughs and squeals out loud (4-7 mos.)
Distinguishes emotions by tone of voice (4-7 mos.)
Responds to sound by making sounds (4-6 mos.)
Responds to spoken “bye-bye” by waving (4-7 mos.)
Uses voice to express joy and displeasure (4-6 mos.)
Syllable repetition begins (5-7 mos.)
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL
Enjoys social play (4-7 mos.)
Interested in mirror images (5-7 mos.)
Can calm down with ½ hour when upset (6 mos.)
Responds to other people’s expression of emotion (4-7 mos.)
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center - 2012
Page 4
DEVELOPMENTAL RED FLAGS (4 TO 7 MONTHS)
Seems very stiff, tight muscles
Seems very floppy, like a rag doll
Head still flops back when body is pulled to sitting position (by 5months still exhibits head lag)
Shows no affection for the person who cares for them
Doesn’t seem to enjoy being around people
One or both eyes consistently turn in or out
Persistent tearing, eye drainage, or sensitivity to light
Does not respond to sounds around them
Has difficulty getting objects to mouth
Does not turn head to locate sounds by 4 months
Doesn’t roll over (stomach to back) by 6 months
Cannot sit with help by 6 months (not by themselves)
Does not laugh or make squealing sounds by 5 months
Does not actively reach for objects by 6 months
Does not follow objects with both eyes
Does not bear some weight on legs by 5 months
Has difficulty calming self, cries for long periods of time
COMMENTS:
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center - 2012
Page 5
DEVELOPMENTAL CHECKLIST - 8 TO 12 MONTHS
CHILD’S NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PARENT OR GUARDIAN:
DATE
MILESTONES
OBSERVED
GROSS MOTOR
Gets to sitting position without assistance (8-10 mos.)
Crawls forward on belly
Assumes hand and knee position
Creeps on hands and knees
Gets from sitting to crawling or prone (lying on stomach) position (10-12 mos.)
Pulls self up to standing position
Walks holding on to furniture
Stands momentarily without support
May walk two or three steps without support
FINE MOTOR
Uses pincer grasp (grasp using thumb and index finger) (7-10 mos.)
Bangs two one-inch cubes together
Puts objects into container (10-12 mos.)
Takes objects out of container (10-12 mos.)
Pokes with index finger
Tries to imitate scribbling
COGNITIVE
Explores objects in many different ways (shaking, banging, throwing, dropping) (8-10 mos.)
Finds hidden objects easily (10-12 mos.)
Looks at correct picture when image is named
Enjoys looking at pictures in books (9-12 mos.)
Imitates gestures (9-12 mos.)
LANGUAGE
Responds to simple verbal requests
Responds to “no”
Makes simple gestures such as shaking head for no
Babbles with inflection (8-10 mos.)
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center - 2012
Page 6
DATE
OBSERVED
LANGUAGE (continued)
Babbles “dada” and “mama” (8-10 mos.)
Says “dada” and “mama” for specific person (11-12 mos.)
Uses exclamations such as “oh-oh”
SELF-HELP
Finger-feeds himself (8-12 mos.)
Extends arm or leg to help when being dressed (9-12 mos.)
May hold spoon when feeding (9-12 mos.)
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Shy or anxious with strangers (8-12 mos.)
Cries when mother or father leaves (8-12 mos.)
Enjoys imitating people in his play (10-12 mos.)
Shows specific preferences for certain people and toys (8-12 mos.)
Prefers mother and/or regular care provider over all others (8-12 mos.)
Repeats sounds or gestures for attention (10-12 mos.)
May test parents at bed time (9-12 mos.)
DEVELOPMENTAL RED FLAGS (8 TO 12 MONTHS)
Does not crawl
Drags one side of body while crawling (for over one month)
Cannot stand when supported
Does not search for objects that are hidden (10-12 mos.)
Says no single words (“mama” or “dada”)
Does not learn to use gestures such as waving or shaking head
Does not sit steadily by 10 months
Does not react to new environments and people
Does not seek out caregiver when stressed
Does not show interest in “peek-a-boo" or "patty cake” by 8 mos.
Does not babble by 8 mos. (“dada,” “baba,” “mama”)
COMMENTS:
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center - 2012
Page 7
DEVELOPMENTAL CHECKLIST - 12 TO 24 MONTHS
CHILD’S NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PARENT OR GUARDIAN:
DATE
MILESTONES
OBSERVED
GROSS MOTOR
Walks alone (12-16 mos.)
Pulls toys behind him while walking (13-16 mos.)
Carries large toy or several toys while walking (12-15 mos.)
Begins to run stiffly (16-18 mos.)
Walks into ball (18-24 mos.)
Climbs onto and down from furniture unsupported (16-24 mos.)
Walks up and down stairs holding on to support (18-24 mos.)
FINE MOTOR
Scribbles spontaneously (14-16 mos.)
Turns over container to pour out contents (12-18 mos.)
Builds tower of four blocks or more (20-24 mos.)
LANGUAGE
Says “no” with meaning (13-15 mos.)
Follows simple, one-step instructions (14-18 mos.)
Says several single words (15-18 mos.)
Recognizes names of familiar people, objects, and body parts (18-24 mos.)
Points to object or picture when it’s named for them (18-24 mos.)
Repeats words overheard in conversations (16-18 mos.)
Uses two-word sentences (18-24 mos.)
COGNITIVE
Finds objects even when hidden under 2 or 3 covers
Identifies one body part (15-24 mos.)
Begins to sort shapes and colors (20-24 mos.)
Begins make-believe play (20-24 mos.)
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center - 2012
Page 8
SELF-HELP DATE
OBSERVED
Likes to play with food when eating (18-24 mos.)
Can put shoes on with help (20-24 mos.)
Can open doors by turning knobs (18-24 mos.)
Can drink from open cup, with some spilling (18-24 mos.)
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Imitates behavior of others, especially adults and older children (18-24 mos.)
Increasingly enthusiastic about company or other children (20-24 mos.)
Demonstrates increasing independence (18-24 mos.)
Begins to show defiant behavior (18-24 mos.)
Episodes of separation anxiety increase toward midyear, then fade
DEVELOPMENTAL RED FLAGS (12 TO 24 MONTHS)
Cannot walk by 18 months
Fails to develop a mature heel-toe walking pattern after several months of walking, or walks exclusively on toes
Does not speak at least 15 words by 18 months
Does not use unique two-word phrases by age 2 (more milk, big dog, mommy help)
By 15 months does not seem to know the function of common household objects (brush, telephone, cup, fork,
spoon)
Does not imitate actions or words by 24 mos.
Does not follow simple one-step instructions by 24 mos.
Cannot identify self
Cannot form a two-word phrase
Cannot hold and use a spoon or cup for eating and drinking
Does not display a wide array of emotions (anger, fear, happy, excited, frustrated)
COMMENTS:
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center - 2012
Page 9
DEVELOPMENTAL CHECKLIST - 24 TO 36 MONTHS
CHILD’S NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PARENT OR GUARDIAN:
DATE
MILESTONES OBSERVED
GROSS MOTOR
Climbs well (24-30 mos.)
Walks down stairs alone, placing both feet on each step (26-28 mos.)
Walks up stairs alternating feet with support (24-30 mos.)
Swings leg to kick ball (24-30 mos.)
Runs easily (24-26 mos.)
Pedals tricycle (30-36 mos.)
Bends over easily without falling (24-30 mos.)
FINE MOTOR
Makes vertical, horizontal, circular strokes with pencil or crayon (30-36 mos.)
Turns book pages one at a time (24-30 mos.)
Builds a tower of more than 6 blocks (24-30 mos.)
Holds a pencil in writing position (30-36 mos.)
Screws and unscrews jar lids, nuts, and bolts (24-30 mos.)
Turns rotating handles (door knob) (24-30 mos.)
LANGUAGE
Uses pronouns (I, you, me, we, they) (24-30 mos.)
Understands most sentences (24-40 mos.)
Recognizes and identifies almost all common objects and pictures (26-32 mos.)
Shows frustration when not understood by others (28-36 mos.)
Understands physical relationships (on, in, under) (30-36 mos.)
Can say name, age, and sex (30-36 mos.)
Uses words to communicate wants and needs (30-36 mos.)
Knows simple rhymes and songs (30-36 mos.)
Strangers can understand most of words (30-36 mos.)
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center - 2012
Page 10
DATE
COGNITIVE OBSERVED
Makes mechanical toys work (30-36 mos.)
Matches an object in hand or room to a picture in a book (24-30 mos.)
Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people (24-36 mos.)
Sorts objects by color (30-36 mos.)
Completes puzzles with 3 or 4 pieces (24-36 mos.)
Understands concept of “two” (26-32 mos.)
Listens to stories (24-36 mos.)
Knows several body parts (24-36 mos.)
SELF-HELP
Can pull pants down with help (24-36 mos.)
Helps put things away (24-36 mos.)
Serves self at table with some spilling (30-36 mos.)
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Uses the word “mine” often (24-36 mos.)
Says “no” but will still do what is asked (24-36 mos.)
Expresses a wide range of emotions (24-36 mos.)
Objects to major changes in routine (24-36 mos.)
Begins to follow simple rules (30-36 mos.)
Resists changes (30-36 mos.)
Separates easily from parents (by 36 mo.)
DEVELOPMENTAL RED FLAGS (24 TO 36 MONTHS)
Frequent falling and difficulty with stairs
Persistent drooling or very unclear speech
Inability to build a tower of more than 4 blocks
Difficulty manipulating small objects
Inability to copy a circle by 3 years old
Inability to communicate in short phrases
No involvement in pretend play
Cannot feed self with spoon or drink from cup independently
Failure to understand simple instructions
Little interest in other children
Extreme difficulty separating from primary caregiver
COMMENTS:
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center - 2012
Page 11
DEVELOPMENTAL CHECKLIST - 3 TO 4 YEARS
CHILD’S NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PARENT OR GUARDIAN:
DATE
MILESTONES OBSERVED
GROSS MOTOR
Hops and stands on one foot up to 5 seconds
Goes upstairs and downstairs without support
Kicks ball forward
Throws ball overhand
Catches bounced ball most of the time
Moves forward and backward
Uses riding toys
FINE MOTOR
Copies square shapes
Draws a person with 2-4 body parts
Uses scissors
Draws circles and squares
Begins to copy some capital letters
Can feed self with spoon
LANGUAGE
Understands the concepts of "same" and "different"
Has mastered some basic rules of grammar
Speaks in sentences of 5-6 words
Asks questions
Speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand
Tells stories
COGNITIVE
Correctly names some colors
Understands the concept of counting and may know a few numbers
Begins to have a clearer sense of time
Follows three-part commands
Recalls parts of a story
Understands the concept of same/different
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center- 2012
Page 12
DATE
OBSERVED
COGNITIVE (continued)
Engages in fantasy play
Understands causality ("I can make things happen")
SELF- HELP
Washes and dries hands and face
Can do simple household tasks (help set the table)
Can put on simple clothing items, with help for button, zipper, shoelace (jacket, pants, shoes)
Can run a brush or comb through own hair
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Interested in new experiences
Cooperates/plays with other children
Plays "mom "or "dad"
More inventive in fantasy play
Can stay on topic during conversations
More independent
Plays simple games with simple rules
Begins to share toys with other children
Often cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality
May have imaginary friends or see monsters
DEVELOPMENTAL RED FLAGS (3 TO 4 YEARS)
Cannot jump in place
Cannot ride a trike
Cannot grasp a crayon between thumb and fingers
Has difficulty scribbling
Cannot copy a circle
Cannot stack 4 blocks
Still clings or cries when parents leave him
Shows no interest in interactive games
Ignores other children
Doesn't respond to people outside the family
Doesn't engage in fantasy play
Resists dressing, sleeping, using the toilet
Lashes out without any self-control when angry or upset
Doesn't use sentences of more than three words
Doesn't use "me" or "you" appropriately
COMMENTS:
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center- 2012
Page 13
DEVELOPMENTAL CHECKLIST - 4 TO 5 YEARS
CHILD’S NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PARENT OR GUARDIAN:
DATE
MILESTONES
OBSERVED
GROSS MOTOR
Stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer
Hops, somersaults
Swings, climbs
May be able to skip
FINE MOTOR
Copies triangle and other geometric patterns
Draws person with body
Prints some letters
Dresses and undresses without assistance
Uses fork, spoon
Usually cares for own toilet needs
LANGUAGE
Recalls parts of a story
Speaks sentences of more than 5 words
Uses future tense
Tells longer stories
Says name and address
COGNITIVE
Can count 10 or more objects
Correctly names at least 4 colors
Works in small groups for 5-10 minutes
Better understands the concept of time
Knows about things used every day in the home (money, food, etc.)
SELF-HELP
Can chew with lips closed
Goes to the bathroom independently, with reminders
Undresses independently, may be able to unbutton and unzip
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center- 2012
Page 14
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Wants to please
Prefers to be with friends
More likely to agree to rules
Likes to sing, dance, and act
Shows more independence
DEVELOPMENTAL RED FLAGS (4 TO 5 YEARS)
Exhibits extremely aggressive, fearful or timid behavior
Is unable to separate from parents
Is easily distracted and unable to concentrate on any single activity for more than 5 minutes
Shows little interest in playing with other children
Refuses to respond to people in general
Rarely uses fantasy or imitation in play
Seems unhappy or sad much of the time
Avoids or seems aloof with other children and adults
Does not express a wide range of emotions
Has trouble eating, sleeping or using the toilet
Cannot differentiate between fantasy and reality
Seems unusually passive
Cannot understand prepositions ("put the cup on the table"; "get the ball under the couch")
Cannot follow 2-part commands (“pick up the toy and put it on the shelf”)
Cannot give his first and last name
Does not use plurals or past tense
Cannot build a tower of 6 to 8 blocks
Holds crayon with fisted grasp
Has trouble taking off clothing
Can't brush teeth or wash and dry hands
COMMENTS:
Developmental Checklists Birth to Five
Adapted and revised by the Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center- 2012
Page 15
