Track Your
Child’s Development

Children grow and change quickly in the early years. Two important ways families can check on their child’s development are developmental monitoring and developmental screening. These tools work together to identify concerns early, when support can make the biggest difference.

Developmental Monitoring

Developmental monitoring means noticing how your child learns and grows over time by watching for everyday milestones - like how they play, learn, talk, behave, and move. Parents, grandparents, early learning providers, and other caregivers can all take part.

Milestones that mark a child’s growth include things like: 

  • Smiling and showing feelings

  • Sitting, crawling, or walking

  • Using sounds, gestures, or words to communicate

  • Playing, exploring, and learning new skills

  • Following simple directions and interacting with others

Milestones are skills most children learn as they grow. Children reach milestones at different times, and all children grow in their own way.

These FREE milestone tracking tools can help you check a child’s development from birth to age 5:

More resources:

If you notice your child is missing milestones, it’s important to talk with your child’s doctor or nurse about your concerns.

Developmental Screening

Children reach milestones at different times. Developmental screening is a way to check how your child is learning and growing right now. It helps you see your child’s strengths and notice if they may need extra help. Screening uses short questionnaires based on everyday activities and what you see at home. The results can help connect your family with ideas, activities, and resources if you want them. It’s about supporting your child—and supporting you.

Screening helps you find out:

  • If your child’s development is on track

  • If more evaluation is recommended

  • What next steps or services could support your child

You know your child best.  A screening helps turn what you already notice into clear information about your child’s strengths and areas that may benefit from support.  

Complete a free developmental screening for children 1 month to 6 years old through the Oregon Screening Project >

Start Free Developmental Screening

Monitoring + Screening = Better Support For Your Child

Monitoring happens as you watch your child grow each day.

Screening uses short, research-based questions to give helpful information and support.

Developmental monitoring and screening work best when used together. Monitoring helps you follow your child’s growth every day, while screening gives a deeper look at key ages or whenever concerns arise.

If you ever have questions about your child’s development, don’t wait—talk with your child’s doctor and explore free tools like OSP and the CDC’s milestone resources. You can also give our Help Me Grow team a call at 1833-866-4769 or 503-215-2429 and we would be more than happy to walk you through this.