Attachment A

0-5 Developmental Milestones Checklist for

General Instructions: 1) Please select the checklist closest to the child’s age. If the child was born prematurely, the
corrected/adjusted age should be used. 2) Place a check mark under the Yes (Y) or No (N) column for each item. For th
items under “check all that apply,” mark a check if it is true. 3) Make notes/comments as needed (e.g. wakes every hour
CSW – If concerned regarding child’s development, consult with a PHN and SCSW and
appropriate referrals.
Parent/Caregiver – If concerned regarding child’s development, speak to the child’s social worke
health provider as soon as possible.
Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

BIRTH TO 1 MONTH (date completed: )

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
Sleeps 16-20 hours daily
May lift head briefly when on stomach
Responds to sounds
Stares at faces
Moves all extremities (arms, legs)
Can grasp fingers as a reflex (not willingly)
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
Alert to stimuli
May recognize parent/caregiver’s voice or
make eye contact
Cries to show discomfort or fatigue
INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
Responds to voices
Makes small throaty sounds
CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW
Failure to gain weight
No eye contact
Failure to hold head up
Failure to hold on with hands
No anticipatory behavior at feeding
Excessive drooling

2 MONTHS (date completed: )

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
Weight gain between 1 lb to 2 lbs
Height gain of 2 inches
Smiles in response to others
Lifts head 45 degrees when on stomach
Listens to others talk, and responds with
sounds, movements, facial expressions
Can locate sounds
May begin to roll over
Hands are frequently open (not in fists)
Decreased flexion of the arms and legs while
on stomach (muscles in legs/arms are less
tight or stiff in this position)
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
Will respond to cuddling and stroking
Displays different moods
Smiles in response to stimuli
Makes vocal response to familiar voices
INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
Searches to locate sounds
Crying is different for different
reasons/causes
Begins to visually fix (focus) on close objects
A. CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW
Child’s eyes do not follow objects
Does not smile or change expression
Does not seem interested in new faces
Failure to hold on with hands
4 MONTHS (date completed: )

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
Weight 10-18 lbs
Height 23-27 inches
Sleeps 14-17 hours daily
Can roll from back to side
Lifts head and chest when lying on stomach
Sits with support
Follows a moving object or person with eyes
Tries to reach for objects with hands
Controls head well
Has improved coordination
Cries less
Holds objects in his/her hands
Brings his/her hands to the mouth
Eyes aligned; able to focus on an object
Discriminates sweet, sour, bitter, salty tastes
Opens and closes hands
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
Laughs while playing; may cry if playtime is
interrupted
Tries to get parent/caregiver’s attention by
banging a rattle or crying
May recognize primary parent/caregiver in a
group of people
Squeals, waves arms and breathes heavily
when excited
Coos and gurgles when talked to
Begins to sort out who is who in his/her life
May prefer certain people
Can communicate hunger, fear, discomfort
Reacts to “peek-a-boo” games
Smiles or laughs during physical play
Focuses on human faces
Comfortable with parent/caregiver interaction
(e.g. “when I cry, mom comes to pick me up”)
INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
Links sounds with objects
May respond to mirror images by smiling
Begins to use hands and eyes in coordination
Recognizes bottle
Responds to parent/caregiver shaking a rattle
or bell
Shows obvious signs of curiosity and interest
CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW
Tight muscles or muscles appear stiff
Finds it difficult to get objects to mouth
Lack of interest in social stimuli
Hyperactivity and hyper responsiveness (overly
active or overly sensitive)
Cannot support head
No response to loud sounds
Does not follow moving objects
Does not grasp or reach for toys
Does not bring hands together
Stiff or floppy legs
Pushes back with head

6 MONTHS (date completed: )

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
Sits with support
Grasps objects and explores them with mouth
Vocalizes sounds, such as “ba,” da,” “ma”
Anticipates feeding, dressing, and bathing
Reaches for, and holds bottle
Reaches out when sitting, often in a rocking
motion
May move forward on stomach, pushing with
legs
Plays with his/her toes
Bounces when held in a standing position
Starts to chew
Brings cookies to mouth, and holds, sucks,
bites them
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
Likes physical play
Voices pleasure or displeasure
Cries when left alone or put down
May fear strangers
Opens his/her mouth for the spoon
Holds out his/her arms to be picked up
INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
May perceive cause and effect
Learns to make new sounds by changing
shape of mouth
Discovers that object exists even when they
are out of sight
Listens to own voice

CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW

Does not smile
Cannot roll over
Head lags when pulled to a sitting position
Does not gain weight
Stiff, crossed legs
No response to loud sounds
Rounded back

9 MONTHS (date completed: )

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
Weight should increase by 2 lb. 4 oz. to 3 lb.
12 oz.
Learns how to bend knees and sit down after
standing
Increased use of index finger
Can stand for short time holding onto support
Copies sounds
Able to hit two objects together on his/her
own
Drinks from a cup
Can go from sitting to crawling position
Reaches for cup or spoon when being fed
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
May respond to his/her name
May say “ma-ma” or “da-da”
May reject confinement in crib or playpen

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

Responds to “no”
Performs for social attention
Enjoys “peek-a boo”
Shows a desire to please parents/caregivers
INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
Notices when someone leaves room and
anticipates return
Understands simple words
May be afraid of being left alone
Follows simple instructions
Understands that object exists even when its
not in view
Understands that other people have minds of
their own

CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW

Apathy (Lack of emotion or feeling)
Low socialization, child does not respond to social
interaction
Child doesn’t make many simple sounds, gestures
or facial expressions
Does not look at people who talk to him/her
Does not look at parent/caregiver for social cues
or comfort
Does not sit without support
Not able to put object in and out of a box
Not able to say single words, (“mom” or “dad”)
Does not reach and grasp objects
Does not gain weight
Difficult to get arms forward
Poor use of arms
Arched back, stiff legs

12 MONTHS (date completed: )

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
Birth weight tripled; now 17-27 lbs
Length: 27-32 inches
Sleeps: 11-13 hours at night
6-8 teeth
Begins to refuse bottle
Needs 3 meals a day, with snacks
Waves “bye-bye”
Can play “patty cake”
Creeps on hands and knees
Pulls self to standing; can walk with support
Able to sit alone without support
Crawls well
Points at desired objects
Puts objects in mouth
Finger-feeds him/herself
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
Displays social smile
Imitates adult actions (drinking form a cup,
talking on the phone)
Responds to name
Child will talk to him/herself in front of a mirror
Responds to “no”
Tests parent/caregiver responses to his/her

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

behavior
Gets angry/frustrated when needs are not met
quickly (e.g. being fed/held, diapers changed)
Eye contact begins to replace some of the
physical contact that younger child seeks
Begins to learn what is and is not allowed
Begins to fear strangers
Begins to fear being left by parents/caregivers
Buries head in a parent/caregiver’s shoulder
when meeting people
Shows preference for one toy over another
May become attached to a toy or blanket
Laughs aloud in play with adult
INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
Says first word
Says “da-da,” “ma-ma,” “oh-oh” or equivalent
“Dances” or bounces to music
Interested in picture books
Pays attention to conversations
Claps hands, waves bye, if prompted
Likes to place objects inside one another
Searches for hidden objects
Looks at correct picture when image is named
Imitates gestures
Begins to use objects correctly (drinking from
cup, brushing hair, dialing phone)
CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW
Does not crawl
Drags one side of body while crawling for longer
than 1 mo
Cannot stand when supported
Does not search for objects that are hidden while
s/he watches
Says no single words (“mama” or “dada”)
Does not use gestures (nodding, waving)
Does not point to objects or pictures

18 MONTHS (date completed: )

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
Growth slows but child becomes stronger and
more coordinated
Walks without assistance
Crawls up stairs
Picks up objects without falling
Seats self in child’s chair
Able to take off some clothing items
Able to jump in place
Can build a tower of 3 to 4 blocks
Can turn pages in a book, 2 or 3 pages at a
time
Pushes/pulls light objects
Begins to run with a lack of coordination
Holds crayon and scribbles on paper
Uses spoon
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
Loves picture books and colorful magazines
Likes television

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

Enjoys playing with kitchen utensils and

cardboard boxes
Loves to talk a lot, but frequently is hard to
understand
Cries or fusses for short periods when
parents/caregivers are absent
Shows little understanding of rules and
warnings, but smiles when praised, and cries
when scolded
Throws tantrums when angry
INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
Follows simple commands, such as “give me
the ball”
Uses first spontaneous words
Can say 10 or more words
Echoes sounds and rhythms, such as “patty
cake”
Will frequently point or babble to show what
s/he wants
Recognizes shapes in a puzzle board
Can point to own body parts

CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW

No speech
Child does not say more than a few words clearly
Excessive body rocking
Out of the ordinary play
Withholding and other bowel problems
Sleep disturbance
Delayed development or persistent regression
(seems to be losing skills)

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

2 YEARS (date completed: )

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
Can walk with good balance
Climbs up stairs; walks down while holding on
Seats self in child’s chair
Can play tag
Uses a cup and spoon
Can stand & pick up a ball/toy without falling
Throws a ball
Can build a tower or 6-7 cubes
Begins to run
Pulls toys behind while walking
Holds crayon and scribbles on paper
Can turn a doorknob
Removes all clothes without help
Begins toilet training
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
Shows affection
Cries or fusses for short periods when
parents/caregiver are absent
Plays alone for extended period of time
Shows intense positive & negative reactions
Becomes easily frustrated
Tantrums are very frequent
Shows pride in actions
Pays attention to other children
Usually enjoys being around people
Enjoys tumbling, dancing, and hopping
Enjoys chores (e.g. helping to set the table)
INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
Asks questions
Understands “no”
Uses 10 to 20 words, including names
Can follow simple directions; but may refuse
to follow them
Imitates actions and words of adults
Looks at storybook pictures with an adult;
naming/pointing to familiar objects on request
Vocabulary has increased to about 300 words
Increased attention span
Able to communicate needs (thirst, hunger)
Accomplishes some learning through
exploration
May be psychologically ready for toilet
training
Finds objects hidden under 2 or 3 covers
Begins “make believe” play

CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW

No speech
Excessive body rocking
Out of the ordinary play
Withholding and other bowel problems
Sleep disturbance
Delayed development or persistent regression

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

3 YEARS (date completed: _)

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
rd
Weight gain of about 6lbs during 3 year
Usually a height gain of about 3 inches
Improved balance
Can jump in place
Climbs well
Walks up and down stairs alternating feet
Kicks ball
Runs easily
Pedals tricycle
Bends over easily without falling
Turns book pages one at a time
Builds a tower of more than 4 blocks
Holds a pencil in a writing position
Screws and unscrews jar lids, nuts and bolts
Turns door handles
Rolls, pounds, squeezes, pulls clay material
Puts on/takes off coat
Buttons and unbuttons larger buttons
Able to completely clothe self
Feeds self without difficulty
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
Imitates adults and playmates
Spontaneously shows affection for playmates
Enjoys helping and participating
Can take turns in games
Understands “mine” and “his/hers”
Defends own possessions
Expresses affection openly
Expresses a wide range of emotions
Separates easily from parents/caregivers
Objects to major changes in routine
Identifies objects by use (e.g. shoes to wear)
Engages in “make believe” play
INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
Attention span gets longer
Vocabulary has increased to over 900 words
Composes sentences 3-4 words in length
Follows a 2 or 3 words command
Understands most sentences
Frequently asks questions
Speaks whether or not someone else is
present
Understands physical relationships: inside, on
Knows own name and sex (boy/girl)
Uses pronouns (you, me, I) and some plurals
Strangers understand most words by age 4
Makes mechanical toys work
Matches an object to its picture
Sorts objects by shape and color
Completes puzzles with 3 or 4 pieces
Makes vertical, horizontal, & circular strokes
Beginning to grasps the concept of two
Decreased separation anxiety for short times

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

CHECK ALL THAT APPLY

Frequent falling and difficulty with stairs
Persistent drooling or very unclear speech
Cannot build a tower of more than 4 blocks
Difficulty manipulating small objects
Inability to communicate in short phrases
No involvement in “pretend” play
Little interest in other children

4 YEARS (date completed: _)

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
th
Weight gain of about 6 lbs during the 4 year
th
Height during 4 year should be double the
length at birth
Draws stick figures
Buttons and unbuttons clothes (may need
help)
Can walk backwards
Dresses and undresses self without help
Catches a thrown ball
Cuts out a circle and other simple shapes
Can and will jump off bottom step
Enjoys swinging, climbing and sliding
Can help bathe self
Can wash hands and face
Pours well from pitcher
Cleans nose when reminded
Uses toilet independently
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
Prefers to play with other children
Enjoys telling stories
Becomes increasingly sociable with other
children
Learns to be sensitive to your feelings, may
show first signs of sympathy, will try to
comfort you when you’re sad
Calls attention to own performance
Interested in new experiences
Increasingly inventive in fantasy play
Negotiates solutions to conflicts
More independent
Imagines that many unfamiliar images may be
“monsters”
INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
Can sing a song
Can count to 3 and name 1 or more colors
Knows age
Gives first and last name
Knows day and night
Asks “how” questions
Vocabulary has increased to over 1,500
words
May use words outside his/her
comprehension
Matches and names 4 primary colors

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

Names 3 objects from memory

Understands the concepts of similarity and
difference
Remembers and tells stories
Answers questions about a story being read
Draws a cross and square
Prints a few capital letters
Learning about time concepts, can talk about
yesterday or last week, about today, and
about what will happen tomorrow
Speaks clearly enough for strangers to
understand
B. CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW
Cannot throw a ball overhand
Cannot jump in place
Cannot grasp a crayon between thumb and finger
Has difficulty scribbling
Shows no interest in interactive games
Ignores other children
Resists dressing, sleeping, using the toilet
Does not use sentences of more than 3 words
Cannot copy a circle
Does not use word “me” appropriately
Lashes out with no self control whenever angry or
upset
Does not engage in fantasy play

5 YEARS (date completed: )

PHYSICAL/MOTOR Y N
Increased coordination
Can draw a picture of a person
Dresses self
Skips, jumps, and skates with good balance
Walks full length of balance beam without
falling
Able to tie own shoelaces
Increased skill with simple tools and writing
utensils (pens, pencils, crayons)
Kicks rolling ball toward target
Catches thrown ball
Walks on tiptoes for 10 feet
Cuts along a line continuously
Brushes teeth unassisted
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL
Enjoys telling stories
Chooses another child to play with
Talks about family
Prefers to be with peers rather than adults
Controls emotions and expresses them in
acceptable ways
Participates in play that tells a story; frequently
based on realities in the child’s daily life (play
involves less fantasy)
Plays competitive games
Curious about sexual organs
Sometimes demanding, sometimes eagerly
cooperative

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS
 ATTACHMENT

INTELLECTUAL/COMMUNICATION
Vocabulary has increased to over 2,100 words
Easily puts together sentences of 6 to 8 words
Can put together sentences with all parts of
speech
Matches and names 4 primary colors
Increased mathematical skills
Knows own city/street
Follows instructions given to group
Arranges pictures in order of occurrence
Can draw a picture of a person
Can identify names of coins
Can tell a story
Answers questions about a story being read
Names 3 objects from memory
Chooses own categories for sorting
Can follow a series of 3 unrelated commands
Uses “no” and “not” appropriately
Decreased aggressiveness
Some fears from earlier childhood are
disappearing
Does not hesitate to question others, including
parents/caregivers
Builds complex structures with blocks
Asks “how” questions
Tells about something using past and future
tense
Better understands the concept of time
Knows about things used everyday in the
home
Increasingly responsible
Strong identification with parent/caregiver of
the same sex
CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW
Extremely fearful or timid
Extremely aggressive
Easily distracted and unable to concentrate on a
single activity for more than five minutes
Shows little interest in playing with other children
Refuses to respond to people in general
Rarely uses fantasy or imitation play
Does not follow moving objects
Severely unhappy or sad much of the time
Cannot differentiate between fantasy and reality
Seems unusually passive
Cannot talk about daily activities
Has trouble taking off clothing
Cannot wash and dry his/her hands

Adapted from “Developmental Milestones Guide: From Birth to Five Years” by Los Angeles DCFS