1-3 YEARS 

Takes a few steps on own.

Uses fingers to feed self some food.

Walks without holding on.

Scribbles.

Drinks from cup without lid (may spill).

Feeds self with fingers.

Tries to use a spoon.

Climbs on/off couch or chair without help.

Kicks a ball.

Runs.

Walks up a few stairs with/without help.

Eats with a spoon.

Uses hands to twist things (doorknobs, lids).

Takes some clothes off by self.

Jumps off ground with both feet.

Turns book pages one at a time.

Buttons some buttons.

Hops on one foot.

Balances on one foot briefly.

Climbs stairs one foot at a time.

Rides tricycle with feet pushing.

Uses utensils and cup independently.

Strings large beads.

Pours water with help.

Unbuttons some buttons.

Catches large ball with two hands.

Copies other children while playing.

Shows you an object they like.

Claps when excited.

Hugs stuffed doll or toy.

Shows affection (hugs, kisses).

Moves away but checks in with you.

Points to show interesting things.

Puts hands out for washing.

Looks at pages in book with you.

Helps dress by pushing arm through sleeve.

Notices when others hurt/upset.

Looks at face to react in new situation.

Plays next to others, sometimes with them.

Says “Look at me!”.

Follows simple routines when told.

Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave.

Notices/joins other children in play.

Shows empathy (comforts others).

Displays independence (“I do it”).

Begins cooperative play with guidance.

Expresses wider range of emotions.

Shows pleasure in mastering tasks.

Seeks approval from adults.

Tries to use things the right way (phone, cup).

Stacks at least two small objects.

Copies doing chores (sweeping).

Plays with toys in simple way (pushing car).

Holds something in one hand while using other.

Tries switches, knobs, buttons on toy.

Plays with more than one toy at once.

Draws a circle.

Avoids hot objects when warned.

Uses things to pretend (feeds block to doll).

Shows simple problem-solving (stands on stool to reach).

Follows two-step instructions.

Knows at least one color.

Counts to 10.

Names numbers between 1-5 when pointed to.

Uses words about time (“yesterday”).

Pays attention 5-10 minutes during activities.

Writes some letters in name.

Names some letters when pointed to.

Solves problems using objects as tools.

Follows simple one-step instructions.

Matches similar objects or colors.

Begins pretend play.

Sorts by color or size.

Understands basic concepts (“big” vs. “small”).

Shows increasing understanding of consequences.

Tries to say 1-2 words besides “mama/dada”.

Looks at familiar object when named.

Follows directions with gesture and words.

Points to ask for something/get help.

Tries 3+ words besides “mama/dada”.

Follows one-step directions without gestures.

Points to things in book when asked.

Says at least two words together.

Points to at least two body parts.

Uses more gestures (blowing kiss, nodding).

Says about 50 words.

Says two+ words with one action.

Names things in book when pointed/asked.

Says words like “I”, “me”, “we”.

Talks with 2+ back-and-forth exchanges.

Asks “who/what/where/why”.

Says action happening in picture (“running”).

Says first name when asked.

Talks well enough for others to understand most time.

Uses short sentences.

Asks simple questions.

Joins conversations.

Uses gestures with intention to meet goals.

Takes turns in back-and-forth vocal play.