Parents & Caregivers
Connecting parents and caregivers with resources and the support they need to help their child learn, thrive, and grow.
From birth to five years old,
there are milestones children should reach in terms of how they play, learn, speak, and act. A delay in any of these areas could be sign of developmental delays or behavioral problems. These delays more often than not go undetected and can have a profound impact on the well-being of the child and their family. Fortunately, the earlier a delay is recognized, the more you can help children reach their full potential.
If a delay is identified, often services and programs that help children overcome obstacles can prove to be difficult to identify due to eligibility requirements, transportation issues, or the volume of information given to caregivers. Help Me Grow bridges the gap between these hurdles to help you identify if your child is on the right track through screenings and connect you to the right services in your area to help your child thrive.
The Help Me Grow team conducts screenings (link to this on the page) in a “play” environment ensuring your child is having fun during the process. Our team also serves as a direct, trusted source for getting answers to the questions you have as your child grows (link to milestones on the page). We will help you feel equipped and educated. Our services are provided at no cost and conducted via phone or online.
What are the typical behaviors and skills my child should have?
Below lists by age the "normal" milestones for a child's growth. Milestones may look different for your child based on culture and other biological factors.
2 Months
- Holds head up when on tummy
- Smiles when you talk to or smile at her
- Watches you as you move
- Looks at a toy for several seconds
- Makes sounds other than crying
4 Months
- Holds head steady without support when held
- Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy
- Turns head towards the sound of your voice
- Looks at his hands with interest
- Smiles on his own to get your attention
6 Months
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Takes turns making sounds with you
- Closes lips to show she doesn’t want more food
- Reaches to grab a toy he wants
- Knows familiar people
9 Months
- Sits without support
- Lifts arms up to be picked up
- Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)
- Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprised
- Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo
12 Months
- Pulls up to stand
- Waves “bye-bye"
- Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
- Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
- Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake
15 Months
- Takes a few steps on his own
- Points to ask for something or to get help
- Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks
- Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)
- Claps when excited
18 Months
- Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
- Feeds herself with her fingers
- Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
- Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car
- Helps you dress him by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up foot
2 Years
- Runs
- Eats with a spoon
- Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
- Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
- Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation
30 Months
- Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids
- Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we”
- Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something
- Shows you what she can do by saying, “Look at me!”
3 Years
- Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket
- Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?”
- Draws a circle, when you show him how
- Notices other children and joins them to play
4 Years
- Holds crayon or pencil between fingers and thumb (not a fist)
- Says sentences with four or more words
- Tells what comes next in a well-known story
- Likes to be a “helper”
- Comforts others who are hurt or sad, like hugging a crying friend
5 Years
- Hops on one foot
- Answers simple questions about a book or story after you read or tell it to him
- Uses words about time, like “yesterday,” “tomorrow,” “morning,” or “night”
- Sings, dances, or acts for you
Have questions about your Child's development or concerns?
Free support is a phone call or message away.
1-800-241-KIDS (5437)
Self-Screening Forms
Complete this self-guided Assessment Form for your child by using the links below:
Developmental Screenings
Learn the signs. Act Early.
Private Individual/ Family Screenings
If you would like to schedule a screening for your child or children, please click here. We will be in touch with more information including options for setting a screening location.
Public Screening Availability
Public screening days and events can be found on our calendar.
Public Screening Availability
If you would like to screen your child yourself, please click the button below and complete the questionnaire. We will be in touch with more information.
Upcoming Help Me Grow Events
Please check back for 2024 event dates.
If you are interested in attending a screening event, please reach out to us at 1-800-241-5437.
Additional Resources
Free support is a phone call or message away.
1-800-241-KIDS (5437)
