Developmental Milestones A Guide to Your Baby's First Year
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@ What if your child is not meeting their milestones?
All children develop at their own pace; however, children should meet their developmental milestones within a specified age range. If you notice that your child is not meeting a particular milestone, or you're wondering "Why are they doing that?" or "Why aren't they doing this?", then you're not alone, and early intervention could help! All early intervention services are provided at NO COST to you and occur in your home!
@ What should I do if I have a concern about my child?
The first step is to schedule a developmental evaluation with the service coordination unit in your county. They will come to your home and assess your baby's development and determine if they are eligible for early intervention. If your baby qualifies, you can then request Achieva as your provider; you simply say, "I want my child's therapist to come from Achieva."
@ Does it matter who provides my child the early intervention services? It does.Just as you choose your baby's pediatrician, daycare, or dentist, it's important to choose the best early intervention therapist, as well. Achieva Early Intervention is home to the area's leading experts in their fields, and we are proud of the more than 100 therapists, educators, and experts who provide early intervention for Achieva. Your child's progress and development are at the heart of our mission, and you always have a choice in who provides their services. Be sure to request an Achieva therapist when your child qualifies for services, by saying "I want my child's therapist to come from Achieva."
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Birth to 4 months
Coo and make noises! Coo
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What you can do to help
Copy your baby's sounds sometimes, but also use clear language. Talk, read, and sing to your baby.
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Birth to 4 months
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Mybaby can do this!
What you can do to help Lay your baby on their tummy when they are awake and supervised. Put toys slightly out of reach for them to look at and reach for. Encourage your baby to lift their head by holding toys at eye level in front of them .
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j;:•:a Birth to 4 months Imitate some facial expressions.
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What you can do to help
Mimic your baby's facial expressions. For example, when they smile, you smile in return; when they stop smiling, you stop.
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Birth to 4 months
What you can do to help When your baby looks at something, point to it and talk about it. For example, say 'bus' or 'car' if one drives by. Hold up a rattle and shake it in your baby's range of sight (10-12 inches away). This can help little ones to focus their attention.
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I;:•:;I 5-8 months
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What you can do to help Repeat your child's sounds and say simple words with those sounds. For example, if your child says "bah," say "bottle" or "book." Ask your baby questions and let them respond in their babble. Then continue on the conversation adding more detail as the 'back and forth' goes on.
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I;:•:;I 5-8 months
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What you can do to help
Put your baby on their belly or back and put toys just out of reach. Encourage them to roll over to reach the toys.
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I;:•:;I 5-8 months
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What you can do to help During meal time, place small foods like cereal or small pieces of fruit- on your child's plate to encourage them to grasp the food. Encourage them to drop toys or objects into buckets or bowls, and then take them back out.
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I;:•:;! 9-12 months
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What you can do to help Place sturdy furniture near each other so your baby can hold on and cruise along the pieces. Have their favorite toys on low to the ground and easily accessible areas to encourage them to stand to retrieve the items.
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!;:•:;! 9-12 months
Mama!
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Mybaby can do this!
What you can do to help Label and point to people and objects while naming them. Add words to what your child is already saying to encourage language development. For example, if your child says 'Mama!', you could say 'Yes! I'm Mama and I have a red shirt on!'
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!;:•:;! 9-12 months
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What you can do to help Preload the spoon with food and hand it to your baby to practice getting the spoon to their mouth. Model picking up tiny bites of food and eating them; offer different textures and safe sizes of food on their tray.
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Do you have concerns about your child's development? Did your pediatrician recommend early intervention? HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:
O Contact your local service f) Get to Know Your Child's Strengths coordination unit to schedule a free evaluation.
Allegheny County: Call the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers at 412.885.6000 Washington County: Call Washington Human Services at 724.228.6832 Westmoreland County: Call Westmoreland Casemanagement at 724.837.1808
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A team of specialists will learn about your child through play and observation. At the end of the evaluation, they will notify you if your child qualifies for early intervention services.
8 Build a Plan Together
If your child qualifies, tell your team that you CHOOSE an Achieva therapist to provide your child's therapy. Simply say, "I want my child's therapist to come from Achieva:·
Start Services Support happens in your home or community - where your child is most comfortable, and at no cost to you.
All children develop at their own pace, but should meet milestones within the recommended timeframe. If you have questions or concerns about your child, reach out and let us help.
C., Call: 412-995-5000
C Text: 412-643-0435 0 achievaei@)achieva.info 0 achievaearlyintervention.org
Scan for milestones beyond12 months!
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Strong Starts Begin With Achieva Early Intervention. Be sure to choose an Achieva therapist to ensure your child's Strong Start.
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All early intervention services are provided at no cost.