Child developmental milestones and parental concerns
All children are unique and reach developmental milestones at different times. Some children will seem to show delays but then ‘catch up’. It can be hard to predict how development will unfold over time. The Department of Education and Training provides a list of milestones for each developmental stage that you can use as a general guide:
- Babies: Babies development concerns
- Toddlers: Toddlers development concerns
- Preschoolers: Child development concerns
How to seek help
Maternal and Child Health nurses see your child regularly with scheduled visits between birth and four years of age. They monitor, assess and promote your child's health and development, and therefore play a key role in your family life. If you have any concerns with your child’s development you can talk to your Maternal Child and Health nurse or GP. Your Maternal Child and Health nurse might refer you to your GP, and your GP might refer you to a paediatrician or allied health staff such as a psychologist, speech pathologist or occupational therapist.
If your child has a disability or developmental challenge that requires extra support, you may wish to contact early childhood intervention professionals through the Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS) (currently transitioning to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Early Childhood Early Intervention). They can help your family with the planning of supports to promote your child’s learning, development and participation in the family and the community.
Early childhood education and care settings in Victoria are inclusive of all children and have access to a variety of supports. Discuss your child’s diagnosis with your child’s educators and centre director. They will seek for additional funding and/or support - if needed - for the setting and program to fully include your child.