How a child learns, speaks, plays, & acts offers clues to developmental progress. Keeping track of a child's milestones is an important step in identifying potential delays. While all children develop at their own rate, The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimates that around 1 in 6 children has a developmental disability. Early intervention can make a huge difference in a child's ability to learn new skills. In fact, early treatment is so important that speech therapy, physical therapy, & other services are available in every state & territory of the U.S. for free or at low cost to parents.
> The CDC offers a free Milestone Tracker app as well as milestone checklists that are easy to use and are based on milestones developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. They are reliable and convenient tools for monitoring children's development.
> HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics features Ages & Stages — a wealth of information covering expectations for cognitive, emotional & physical development & growth from prenatal to young adult.
> Easterseals is America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, committed to ensuring that the needs of children & adults with disabilities are met with services & supports. As such, they offer a free, comprehensive & confidential online screening tool to help caregivers keep track of a child’s growth & development during their first five years. The results of caregiver responses will help determine if a child's progress is on time, & note any potential concerns that can be talked over with health care providers.
> WebMD Baby App allows users to capture, record & share key milestones, watch videos tips from WebMD's pediatrician, read news articles, and access a library of content.
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