Supporting your Child's Development
Supporting your Child's Development
Monitor your child’s development early and often
Watching your child grow and learn is one of the most exciting parts of being a parent/caregiver. In the early years, your child’s brain and body grow and change very quickly, and their brain is especially open to learning and change. This is a key time, when your child is ready to learn.
As your child grows and develops, they reach new skills called developmental milestones. These include things like smiling for the first time, taking their first step, or saying their first word. In the first few years of your child’s life, it is important to check that your child is reaching these developmental milestones. By monitoring their development regularly, you can learn what to expect at each stage, and notice any delays or concerns early, giving you a chance to get support if needed. Early support can make a big difference in your child’s learning and growth.
The importance of monitoring your child’s development
As a parent/caregiver, you know your child best. You play a key role in helping them grow and learn. By monitoring your child’s development, starting from birth, you can:
- help recognize and celebrate your child’s skills and abilities
- discover what to look for at each stage of your child's development (external link)
- learn about engaging activities that help your child learn, grow and thrive (external link)
- access helpful supports, services and programs early if you have concerns
Looksee Checklist®
The Looksee Checklist® is a developmental tool that you can use to celebrate and monitor your baby and child’s development from 1 month to 6 years of age. This checklist is available in multiple languages and:
- Helps you understand your child's skills and abilities
- Shows areas of your child’s development that may need extra help
- Gives tips and activities that can help your child grow and learn
Tips for completing the Looksee Checklist®:
- Choose the Looksee Checklist® nearest to your child’s age.
- If your child falls between two ages, use the younger of the two checklists (e.g. for a 4½ year old, use the 4-year-old Looksee Checklist®).
Order the Looksee Checklists®
When and where to get help for your child’s development
No developmental concerns
Developmental concern
The Enhanced 18-Month Well-Baby Visit
18 months is an important time in your child’s development to check in on how they are learning and growing. It is recommended that all children go to their health care provider for an 18-Month Well-Baby Visit. Your baby’s 18-month Well-Baby Visit is a chance for:
- your healthcare provider to check your child’s development
- you to discuss any questions or concerns you have
What to expect at the visit
How to prepare for the visit
After the visit
Resources to help support your child’s development
As a parent/caregiver, you play a key role in helping your child learn and grow. You do not have to do this alone. Halton Region Public Health offers free parenting programs and supports. Call 311 or email HaltonParents@halton.ca to connect with a public health nurse, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There are also reliable online resources, and community supports available to help you promote the healthy development of your child.
Online resources for families
Help foster your child’s development with these fun, free activities to do with your child!
- Play & Learn (external link) has a variety of engaging games and activities to help your child learn, grow and thrive.
- Connect Play & Learn Everyday (external link) gives information for parents/caregivers about your child’s first five years. This website is filled with many fun games and activities that you can do with your child to help them develop and learn.
- Look What I Can Do Parent's Guide (external PDF) helps you understand speech and language at each stage of your child’s development and provides simple ideas about what you can do to encourage your child’s communication development.
Community programs for families
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres – you can find EarlyON Child and Family Centres throughout Halton. They offer free high-quality programs for families with young children. These programs provide opportunities for families to play, learn, and connect with professionals.
- Halton public libraries – provides a variety of free, engaging programs and events year-round that contribute to your child’s growth and development.