“Learn the Signs- Act Early” CDC Resource
Keeping track of your young child’s developmental milestones may be something you think about only during well-child visits, but if you have concerns about how your child plays, learns, acts, speaks, or moves, it may be something you think about often. Research tells us that early intervention is key for supporting babies and young children with developmental delays. So how does a parent identify those early signs that may signal a need for intervention?
While talking with your child’s primary health-care provider is key when you have concerns, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Learn the Signs- Act Early” campaign offers resources and guidance to help parents track your young children’s development on a regular basis, so you can bring those concerns to your health care provider at the earliest sign.
This website offers many helpful resources, including:
- Tracking your child’s developmental milestones from ages two months to five years- with a milestone Tracker App you can download for free!
- Photos and video library illustrating typical milestones from two months to five years;
- Print materials to order or download, including a colorful children’s story book with parent tips to encourage development at one, two, and three years of age;
- Guidance for what to do when you are concerned about your child’s development, including how to talk with your health-care providers and get the help you need.
If you are a provider or early educator working with young children, please share this webpage with your families, and see the professional resources, toolkits and training guides available to support you in your work!
Most materials are available in English and Spanish versions, while some are available in multiple languages, including Chinese, Korean, Haitian Creole, Somali, Arabic, and others.
Be sure to check out this Milestones Matter for Families video to get started! Spanish version of video here.
Then visit the CDC Learn the Signs- Act Early website to access information and resources, including What To Do if You are Concerned about your child’s development.