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Child Development Toolkit

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Early Childhood

What is early childhood?

Early childhood, in developmental psychology and education, generally refers to the period from birth to about age 8. This period is characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. It’s a crucial time for building foundational skills and laying the groundwork for future learning and development.  

Developmental Resources

CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age.

2 months

What most babies do by this age:

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Calms down when spoken to or picked up
  • Looks at your face
  • Seems happy to see you when you walk up to her
  • Smiles when you talk to or smile at her

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Makes sounds other than crying
  • Reacts to loud sounds

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Watches you as you move
  • Looks at a toy for several seconds

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Holds head up when on tummy
  • Moves both arms and both legs
  • Opens hands briefly

4 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Smiles on his own to get your attention
  • Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make him laugh
  • Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)
  • Makes sounds back when you talk to him
  • Turns head towards the sound of your voice

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • If hungry, opens mouth when he sees breast or bottle
  • Looks at her hands with interest

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Holds head steady without support when you are holding him
  • Holds a toy when you put it in his hand
  • Uses his arm to swing at toys
  • Brings hands to mouth
  • Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy

6 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Knows familiar people
  • Likes to look at self in a mirror
  • Laughs

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Takes turns making sounds with you
  • Blows “raspberries” (sticks tongue out and blows)
  • Makes squealing noises

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Puts things in her mouth to explore them
  • Reaches to grab a toy she wants
  • Closes lips to show she doesn’t want more food

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Rolls from tummy to back
  • Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
  • Uses his arm to swing at toys
  • Leans on hands to support herself when sitting

9 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers
  • Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprise
  • Looks when you call her name
  • Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you, or cries)
  • Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Makes a lot of different sounds like “mamamama” and “bababababa”
  • Lifts arms up to be picked up

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)
  • Bangs two things together

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Gets to a sitting position by herself
  • Moves things from one hand to her other hand
  • Uses fingers to “rake” food towards herself
  • Sits without support

1 year

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Waves “bye-bye”
  • Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
  • Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
  • Looks for things she sees you hide, like a toy under a blanket

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Pulls up to stand
  • Walks, holding on to furniture
  • Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it
  • Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food

15 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
  • Shows you an object she likes
  • Claps when excited
  • Hugs stuffed doll or other toy
  • Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
  • Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
  • Points to ask for something or to get help

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
  • Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Takes a few steps on his own
  • Uses fingers to feed herself some food

18 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by
  • Points to show you something interesting
  • Puts hands out for you to wash them
  • Looks at a few pages in a book with you
  • Helps you dress him by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up foot

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
  • Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
  • Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
  • Scribbles
  • Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
  • Feeds himself with his fingers
  • Tries to use a spoon
  • Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help

2 years

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
  • Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”
  • Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
  • Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you
  • Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off
  • Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
  • Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Kicks a ball
  • Runs
  • Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
  • Eats with a spoon

30 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
  • Shows you what she can do by saying, “Look at me!”
  • Follows simple routines when told, like helping to pick up toys when you say, “It’s clean-up time.”

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Says about 50 words
  • Says two or more words together, with one action word, like “Doggie run”
  • Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?”
  • Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we”

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food
  • Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something
  • Follows two-step instructions like “Put the toy down and close the door.”
  • Shows he knows at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, “Which one is red?”

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids
  • Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacket
  • Jumps off the ground with both feet
  • Turns book pages, one at a time, when you read to her

3 years

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off
  • Notices other children and joins them to play

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges
  • Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?”
  • Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing”
  • Says first name, when asked
  • Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Draws a circle, when you show him how
  • Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni
  • Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket
  • Uses a fork

4 years

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Pretends to be something else during play (teacher, superhero, dog)
  • Asks to go play with children if none are around, like “Can I play with Alex?”
  • Comforts others who are hurt or sad, like hugging a crying friend
  • Avoids danger, like not jumping from tall heights at the playground
  • Likes to be a “helper”
  • Changes behavior based on where she is (place of worship, library, playground)

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Says sentences with four or more words
  • Says some words from a song, story, or nursery rhyme
  • Talks about at least one thing that happened during her day, like “I played soccer.”
  • Answers simple questions like “What is a coat for?” or “What is a crayon for?”

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Names a few colors of items
  • Tells what comes next in a well-known story
  • Draws a person with three or more body parts

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Catches a large ball most of the time
  • Serves herself food or pours water, with adult supervision
  • Unbuttons some buttons
  • Holds crayon or pencil between fingers and thumb (not a fist)

5 years

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Follows rules or takes turns when playing games with other children
  • Sings, dances, or acts for you
  • Does simple chores at home, like matching socks or clearing the table after eating

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Tells a story she heard or made up with at least two events. For example, a cat was stuck in a tree and a firefighter saved it
  • Answers simple questions about a book or story after you read or tell it to him
  • Keeps a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges
  • Uses or recognizes simple rhymes (bat-cat, ball-tall)

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Counts to 10
  • Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them
  • Uses words about time, like “yesterday,” “tomorrow,” “morning,” or “night”
  • Pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes during activities. For example, during story time or making arts and crafts (screen time does not count)
  • Writes some letters in her name
  • Names some letters when you point to them

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Buttons some buttons
  • Hops on one foot
CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC

Developmental Activities

Cognitive Behavior

PreK-2nd (ages 5-7)

3-5 (ages 8-10)

  • Support critical thinking with open-ended questions
  • Introducing math games, board games, logic puzzles
  • Activities
  • Brain Teasers

Language Development – speaking, listening, reading, writing

PreK-2nd

  • Read aloud daily 
  • Rhyming games, singing 
  • Support early writing with drawing and letters
  • Activities
  • ABC scavenger hunt
  • Storytelling with puppets 

Social Emotional Development – emotions, relationships, self-awareness, coping

PreK-2nd grade

  • Teach emotion words/facial expressions 
  • Practice sharing/turn-taking 
  • Model self-calming techniques
  • Activities
  • Feelings charades 
  • Gratitude circle
  • Calm-down jars
  • Kindergarten Learning Moments  

Physical Development – gross/fine motor skills, body awareness, health 

PreK-2nd grade

  • Daily movement breaks
  • Fine motor skills (color, cut)
  • Gross motor skills (obstacle course, hopscotch)
  • Activities
  • Dance along videos
  • Yoga for kids

Education Programs

Early childhood resources encompass a wide range of support systems and materials for young children and their families, including developmental information, educational programs, and parenting support. Key areas include developmental milestones tracking, early learning programs like Head Start and Preschool for All, and resources for parents on topics like child development and behavior management. 

Developmental Resources

Educational Programs and Support

Parenting Resources

Other Resources

Disabilities Resources

Mental Resources

Peoria/Bloomington-Normal Area Child Counseling Resources

UnityPlace*

(309) 349-3886
900 Main St, Ste 400, Peoria, IL 61602
www.unitypoint.org/peoria/mental-health-programs-and-services.aspx

ABC Counseling –

East Peoria
(309) 349-2990
111 W. Washington St, Suite 410B, East Peoria, IL 61611
abccounseling.org

Normal Office
(309) 451-9495 
705 E Lincoln St, Ste 303, Normal, IL 61761
abccounseling.org

Peoria Office
(309) 692-4433
2001 W. Willow Knolls Rd., Suite 110, Peoria, IL 61614
abccounseling.org

Centered Therapy & Wellness PLLC

(309) 291-0306
200 W Adams St, Morton, IL 61550-1804
www.centered-wellness.com

Agape Counseling –

Morton
(309) 263-5565
75 E. Queenwood Rd., Morton, IL 61550
agapecounselors.net

Bloomington Office
(309) 663-2229
211 N. Veterans Parkway, Suite 1, Bloomington, IL 61704
agapecounselors.net

The Antioch Group Inc.

(309) 692-6622
6615 N. Big Hollow Rd., Peoria, IL 61615-2451
antiochgroup.com

Associates in Mental Health, SC*

(309) 637-4266
900 Main St., Suite 580, Peoria, IL
aimh.com

Center for Youth & Family Solutions

Peoria Office
(309) 323-6600
2610 W. Richwoods Blvd. Peoria, IL 61604

Bloomington Office
(309) 829-6307
603 N. Center St Bloomington, IL 61701

Galesburg Office
(309) 342-1136
292 N Chambers Street Galesburg, IL 61401

Nancy S. Egger, LCSW

(309) 282-2372
2500 N. Main St., Suite 2B, East Peoria, IL 61611
lifeweaving.info

Elliott Counselling Services^

(309) 212-3606
Diana Schroer, PHd, LCPC (used to lead KK)
1820 N Sterling Ave., Peoria, IL 61604
706 Oglesby, Suite 115, Normal, IL 61761

FamilyCore Counseling

(309) 676-2400
330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 61602
Offers Single Parent Program
familycore.org
First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court St
Pekin, IL 61554

Glen Manor Counseling

(309) 693-2749
914 West Glen Ave., Suite 3, Peoria, IL 61614
glenmanorcounseling.com

Inspire Counseling and Wellness, Ltd

(309) 453-3604
Stacy Munoz, LCPC
6707 N Sheridan Rd., Suite N, Peoria, IL 61614
inspirecounselingandwellness.com

Inward Journey Counseling

(309) 472-0798
Wisnu Meier, LCPC
4700 N Prospect Rd., Suite A1, Peoria Heights, IL 61616
inwardjourneycounseling.com 

Joy Miller & Associates

(309) 693-8200
7617 N. Villa Wood Lane, Peoria, IL 61614
joymiller.com

Life Transformation Counseling, LLC

(309) 363-1400
2000 W Pioneer Parkway, Suite 7B, Peoria, IL 61614

Mindock Counseling & Consulting

(309) 402-0666
Sharon Mindock (used to lead KK)
2000 W Pioneer Parkway, Suite 3, Peoria, IL 61614 
mindockcounseling.com

MindOasis Counseling

(309) 857-6399
Amy Fischer, LCSW
4507 N Sterling Ave., Suite 203, Peoria, IL 61615
mindoasiscounseling.com

New Horizons Counseling Services

(309) 733-4074
3915 N Sheridan Rd., Unit R, Peoria, IL 61614
newhorizonscounselingcenter.com

One Counseling and Wellness

(309) 444-1000
1003 North Cummings Lane, Washington, IL 61571 
onecounselingandwellness.com

Peoria Psychological Associates, P.C.

(309) 689-6700
Dr. Jane Valez, Psy. D, LCP
5505 N Fairmont Dr., Peoria, IL 61614
peoriapsychological.com

Psychology Specialists *

(309) 648-0782
900 Main St., Suite 780, Peoria, IL 61602 (at Methodist Atrium Building)
5401 N. Knoxville Ave., Suite 117, Peoria, IL 61614 (at Proctor Professional Building)
113 N. Parkway Dr., Pekin, IL 61554
180 S. Main St., Floor 4, Canton, IL 61520
psychologyspecialists.com

(309) 706-3190
808 S. Eldorado Rd., Suite 102, Bloomington, IL 61704
1015 S. Mercer Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701
psychologyspecialists.com

Deborah Simonis, LCSW

(309) 716-3965
2426 W Cornerstone Ct., Peoria, IL 61614

Hillary Wasson, LCSW, MSW

(309) 431-2012
2020 W War Memorial Dr., Suite 202C, Peoria, IL 61614
thattherapyplace.com

Watson Center for Wellness

(309) 649-6813
Erin Watson, MSW, LCSW
Andrea White, MSW, LCSW
103 S Main St., Canton, IL 61520
watsoncenterforwellness.com

Whole Life Solutions, LLC

(309) 691-5502
5016 N University St., Suite 101, Peoria, IL 61614
wholelifesolutions.net

*Psychiatric services available & faith-based counseling

Medical Resources

Carle Health

  • Carle Health Methodist North – Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine: Located at 2338 W Van Winkle Way Ste 2200, Peoria, IL 61615, offers Pediatrics care and has extended hours on weekdays (8 AM–5 PM).
  • Carle Health Pekin East – Pediatrics: Located in Pekin, IL at 3591 Griffin Ave, open weekdays (8 AM–4:30 PM).
  • Thomas Halperin, MD: Practices at Carle Health Methodist North, 2338 W Van Winkle Way Ste 2200, Peoria, IL 61615, known for helping parents with newborns and building relationships with children.
  • Dr. Michael J. Sanders MD: Located at 2338 W Van Winkle, Peoria, IL, affiliated with Carle Methodist Hospital and has been in practice for over 20 years.
  • Dr. Jalayne M. Lapke MD: Located at 320 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria, IL, affiliated with Carle Methodist Hospital and accepting new patients. 

OSF Healthcare

  • OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois: A major facility in Peoria located at 530 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria, IL 61637, offering comprehensive pediatric services and is open 24 hours.
  • OSF Medical Group – Pediatrics (Knoxville Ave): Multiple locations, including 2806 Knoxville Ave and 2900 Knoxville Ave in Peoria, offering various pediatric services.
  • Adam C Sturdavant MD: Located at 8600 IL-91 #200, Peoria, IL 61615, praised for addressing parental concerns and following up on children’s health.
  • Dr. Christopher W. Nau MD: Practicing at 530 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria, IL, specializes in General Pediatrics. 

Springfield Clinic

  • Springfield Clinic Peoria North Knoxville: Located at 9128 N Lindbergh Dr, Peoria, IL 61615, offers comprehensive primary care, including pediatric services, and is accepting new patients. They also offer telehealth appointments for certain conditions. 

University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria

  • University Pediatrics: Located at 1800 Knoxville Ave Suite C, Peoria, IL 61603, is known for its talented staff who prioritize listening to patient concerns. 

Other Doctors and Clinics

  • Christopher R Wakid MD: Located at 2906 Knoxville Ave, Peoria, IL 61603, with a 5-star rating.
  • Dr. Nabil E. Hassan MD: Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and Neonatology at 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL.
  • Dr. Siraj Siddiqi MD: Focuses on Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities at 507 E Armstrong Ave, Peoria, IL. 

Dental Resources

Dr. Al-Dadah

309-681-0700
2412 W Forrest Hill, Peoria, Il. 61604

  • Sees children starting at age 3
  • Accepts medical cards for adults & children (including Meridian Insurance)
  • Accepting new patients

I.C.C Dental Clinic

309-690-6999
Arbor Hall South 5407 N University St Peoria, IL 61635

  • Accepts medical card for adults and children
  • Sees children starting at age 5
  • Provides oral hygiene and sealants

Optim Dental

309-777-9777
1200 W. Main St., Peoria, IL 61606

  • Accepts medical cards for adults and children (including Meridian Insurance)

Dr Edward L. Rick

309-839-1677
69263 N. University St. Suite C, Peoria, IL 61614

  • Accepts medical card for children 10 and under
  • Accepting new patients in May 2021

Secure Dental

309-606-5008
502 Riverside E. Peoria, Il 61611

(OSF) Peoria County Health Department

309-679-6141 
2116 N Sheridan Rd. Peoria, IL 61604

  • Accepts medical card
  • Accepts children 6 and under who have not seen anyone in the last year and half

Other Dental Help:

Tazwood Community Services, Inc

306-266-9941
309-694-4391
2116 N Sheridan Rd. Peoria, IL 61604

  • For Dental Vouchers when funding is available, call to get more information

Early Childhood Education

Tazwell Woodford Head Start

https://twhsp.org/

PCCEO Head Start

https://www.pcceo.org/how-we-help/headstart/overview.html

Peoria Bright Futures

https://www.ph325.org/page/bright-futures

Preschool for All

https://sites.google.com/peoriaroe.org/early-learning-for-all/preschool

Valeska Early Childhood Learning Center

https://www.peoriapublicschools.org/o/vhecec