Tracking Your Child’s Development - LookSee Checklist (formerly NDDS)

18-month well-baby visit

The enhanced 18-month visit is intended to support healthy development for all children in Ontario.

Advantages for you and your child

Children are growing and changing rapidly in the first few years of their life. One day they are sitting and it seems as if the next day they are walking! A child’s physical, emotional, social, thinking and communication skills are all dependent upon one another and are linked to their later success in school and work. Parents can help ensure that their child is meeting all their important milestones by tracking their child’s development.

• Early access to important services and community supports (external link)
• Improved key skills (external link) for ongoing learning
• Increased confidence for you and your child
• Information about activities that you can do together to support your child's development
• Reassurance that you are not alone

How can I track my child’s development?

The LookSee Checklist (external link) is a 'developmental checklist' that can help assess your child's progress.

The LookSee Checklist is a quick checklist that looks at the key skills most children should master at a specific age. It will help to determine if there are any areas where your child might need extra help.

There is a LookSee Checklist for 13 key stages of development, from one month - six years of age. The checklists are available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Russian and Farsi.

Tips to determine what key stage your child is at:

• If your child falls between 2 ages, use the earlier LookSee Checklist (e.g. for a 4½ year old, use the LookSee Checklist for a 4 year old.).
• There is no need to adjust for prematurity

What does it mean if I check more than one "NO" on the survey?

• Your child may benefit from extra help
• Contact us at 311. Halton Region can provide you with valuable information and resources
• Talk to your healthcare and/or childcare provider about your concerns

How can I get an LookSee Checklist?

All 13 checklists are available free of charge from the Halton Region Health department for Halton residents by:

• Calling 311 or 905-825-6000
• Ordering online for mail delivery (for Halton residents only)

You can also visit the LookSee Checklist (formerly NDDS) website (external link) to receive one by email.

When your child turns 18 months, you should receive a package from Halton Region which includes:

• the 18-month LookSee Checklist 
• Letter with information and FAQs about tracking your child’s development (PDF file)

Contact us at 311 if you have not received this package.