As a parent, it’s essential to know your child’s development and what developmental milestones your child should reach at different ages. Developmental delays occur when children don’t meet these milestones in one or more areas of development.
At Covenant Schools, we provide daycare and pre-K schools in Albuquerque to support children’s developmental needs. We understand how vital achieving these milestones can be, and we want to give you a better understanding of what developmental delays are, what to watch for, and how to seek help.
What are developmental delays?
Developmental delays are when a child doesn’t meet expected developmental milestones in these types of areas:
- Physical
- Cognitive
- Communication
- Social
- Emotional
These delays can be mild, moderate, or severe and may affect one or more areas of development. Some common causes of developmental delays include the following:
- Genetic disorders
- Premature birth
- Infections and diseases
- Environmental factors
Developmental delays can manifest in various ways, depending on the affected area of development. For example, a child with a communication delay may be unable to express themselves verbally. In contrast, a child with a social delay may have difficulty making friends or engaging in play with others.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that each child has their own unique developmental pace, and achieving specific milestones may occur sooner or later compared to their peers. However, if you notice that your child is significantly behind in one or more areas of development, it’s vital to seek professional help.
Enrolling your child in pre-kindergarten curriculums is a great way to encourage healthy development. At Covenant Schools, our pre-K schools in Albuquerque help children achieve developmental milestones through play and age-appropriate learning activities.
What kind of milestones should my child be achieving?
There are specific milestones that children should reach at different ages. Here are some of the developmental milestones that parents should look for.
2 months
- Lifts head briefly while lying on stomach
- Makes eye contact and smiles at familiar faces
- Responds to loud sounds
4 months
- Holds head steady
- Reaches and grabs objects
- Laughs and squeals
6 months
- Sits with support
- Rolls over from stomach to back and back to stomach
- Responds to their name
9 months
- Crawls or scoots
- Stands while holding onto furniture
- Says “mama” or “dada”
12 months
- Walks with support
- Says a few words
- Waves goodbye
18 months
- Walks without support
- Points to objects
- Recognizes familiar people and objects
2 years
- Uses two-word phrases
- Runs and climbs
- Sorts objects by shape and color
3 years
- Speaks in sentences
- Dresses and undresses themselves
- Follows simple instructions
4 years
- Draws and copies shapes
- Plays with other children
- Understands the concept of time
5 years
- Counts to 10 or higher
- Identifies colors and shapes
- Cuts with scissors
What to do if you suspect your child is experiencing developmental delays?
If you suspect that your child is experiencing developmental delays, it’s important to seek the advice of a medical professional. The earlier developmental delays are identified, the earlier interventions can be implemented to help your child reach their full potential.
Here are some steps you can take if you suspect your child is experiencing developmental delays.
Talk to Your Child’s Pediatrician
Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to discuss your concerns. Your pediatrician can evaluate your child’s development and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Get a Developmental Assessment
A developmental assessment can help determine if your child is experiencing developmental delays and identify areas where your child may need extra support.
Seek Early Intervention Services
If your child is diagnosed with developmental delays, early intervention services can help address your child’s needs and provide support for your family. These services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.
Advocate for Your Child
As a parent, it’s important to advocate for your child’s needs and ensure they receive the support and resources needed to thrive. Work with your child’s healthcare providers and educators to develop an individualized plan for your child.
See Your Child Thrive Through Our Pre-K Schools in Albuquerque!
At Covenant Schools, we strive to provide safe and nurturing environments for children to learn and grow through our faith-based curriculums. Our certified teachers and staff help your children develop intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
If your child is diagnosed with developmental delays, we’ll work with you and their medical care providers to ensure they receive the individualized attention and care necessary to achieve their goals.
Contact us today to learn more about our pre-K schools in Albuquerque!