Developmental Milestones by 3 Years

You are the most important observer of your child's development. If your child has special needs, early help can make a difference. This is a simple tool you can use to be aware of and appreciate the dramatic changes that are occurring in your child. Watch for these signs in your child over a one month period. (Even children have "bad days.")

Remember, each child is different and may learn and grow at a different rate. However, if your child cannot do many of the skills listed for his or her age group, you should consult your pediatrician. If your child was born earlier than expected, be sure to deduct the number of months born early from his or her age. A 5-month-old born 2 months early would be expected to show the same skills as a 3-month-old who was born on his or her due date.

Motor Skills

  1. Feed himself (with some spilling)
  2. Open doors
  3. Hold a glass in one hand
  4. Hold a crayon well
  5. Wash and dry hands by himself
  6. Fold paper, if shown how
  7. Build a tower of 54 blocks
  8. Throw a ball overhead
  9. Try to catch a large ball
  10. Put on shoes (but not tie laces)
  11. Dress herself with help
  12. Use the toilet with some help
  13. Walk up steps, alternating feet
  14. Walk on tiptoes if shown how
  15. Walk in a straight line
  16. Kick a ball forward
  17. Jump with both feet
  18. Pedal a tricycle


Sensory and Thinking Skills

  1. Recognize sounds in the environment
  2. Pay attention for about 3 minutes
  3. Remember what happened yesterday
  4. Know what is food and what is not food
  5. Know some numbers (but not always in the right order)
  6. Know where things usually belong
  7. Understand what "1" is
  8. Understand "now," "soon," and "later"
  9. Substitute one object for another in pretend play (as in pretending a block is a "car")
  10. Laugh at silly ideas (like "milking" a dog)
  11. Look through a book alone
  12. Match circles and squares
  13. Match an object to a picture of that object
  14. Match objects that have same function (as in putting a cup and plate together)
  15. Count 2 to 3 objects
  16. Avoid some dangers, like a hot stove or a moving car
  17. Follow simple one-step commands


Language and Social Skills

  1. Use 3-5 word sentences
  2. Ask short questions
  3. Use plurals ("dogs," "cars," "hats")
  4. Name at least 10 familiar objects
  5. Repeat simple rhymes
  6. Name at least one color correctly
  7. Imitate housework or help with simple tasks
  8. Ask to use the toilet almost every time
  9. Enjoy being read to
  10. Talk about feelings and mental states (e.g., remembering)
  11. Demonstrate some shame when caught in a wrongdoing
  12. Try to make others laugh
  13. Play spontaneously with two or three children in a group
  14. Assign roles in pretend social play ("You be mommy;" "I be daddy")
  15. Know her first and last name
  16. Understand "I," "you," "he," and "she"
  17. Believe everything centers around him ("if I hide my eyes, no one will see me")
  18. Answer whether she is a boy or girl
 

Following the Child

This commonly used phrase comes from the Montessori practice of observing children in their natural environment (e.g. the prepared classroom)
and using their interests and level of ability as a
guide. The caregiver provides appropriate material
and adapts to meet the needs of each child accordingly.

Using Best Early Childhood Practices

Our programs are adapted for the specific areas
we engage in (e.g. rural environments) and utilize
time tested methods to make impact at the
grassroots level. We have a dedicated core of
experienced developers and trainers, with
backgrounds in a multitude of ECD disciplines.

Creating a More Peaceful and Sustainable World

By focusing on the early years, our programs capitalize on a window of opportunity when the brain is still forming and a person is most conducive to internalizing humanistic principles. By instilling a strong framework of values and ethics in our children, we plant seeds for future prosperity in the world.

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