Office of Child Development and Early Learning CONNECT

Information directly from “CONNECT; Watch Me Grow”  pamphlet

Office of Child Development and Early Learning CONNECT

Every child grows and learns new skills at his or her own pace. Children can vary in skills and development. You know your child better than anyone else. If you have concerns about your child’s development, early intervention can help.

CONNECT Line: Linking families to Early Intervention services and support 1-800-692-7288 www.papromiseforchildren.org

What is Early Intervention?  Early Intervention in PA consists of services and supports designed to help families with children who have developmental delays or disabilities.  EI services can include information about how children develop, parent or caregiver education, family supports, and developmental and instructional therapists that assist in child development.  Early Intervention builds upon the natural learning that occurs in the first few years of a child’s life. It is a process that promotes collaboration among parents, service providers and others who are involved with the child.

Who is Eligible? Infants, toddlers, and preschool children (0-3 years) who have a special need due to a developmental delay or disability are eligible to receive early intervention services.

Where do children and families receive supports and services?  Services may be provided during the child’s daily activities at home or in the community, at childcare centers, preschools, play groups and Head Start programs.

Cost?  There is no cost to PA families for this service!

The following skills give a picture of what a child may be able to do at a given age.  Look at the skills with your child’s age and if you have concerns about development contact the EI program closest to you by calling the CONNECT Line (number above) This is only a brief list of developmental stages not a complete list of milestone’s but if you would like to see more milestones at your child’s age level please review the CDC’s Free Milestone Tracker App.

By 6 Months

• Knows familiar faces, smiles, makes cooing sounds
• Lifts head, begins to roll over, holds toy briefly
• Likes to watch their own hands and looks at things around them
• Wants to try new foods, seems excited about being fed
• Can bring both hands to center, plays with toes, holds head up and rolls

By 1 Year

• Rolls a ball, looks for dropped toys
• Likes to play with a toy, can use a cup with help
• Sits up, creeps or crawls, pulls up to stand
• Says and understands a few words
• Starts to stand alone

By 18 Months

• Starts to say several words, makes noises as if talking
• Rolls a ball, does things they see others do
• Takes off some clothes, puts things in a box
• Uses a cup, spoon, and kicks a ball
• Starting to run and climb chairs

By 2 Years

• Speaks several words together
• Feeds self with spoon and drinks from cup
• Points to body parts when asked
• Kicks a ball, walks up and down stairs
• Likes to hear stories, plays along for short time

By 3 Years

• Enjoys pretending with toys and adults
• Easily picks up very small objects
• Uses three-word sentences
• Enjoys playing with children but may be shy
• Puts on coat, shoes and hat