From their very first smile to their first day at school, children grow and develop at a remarkable pace. The early years—from birth to age five—are filled with key developmental milestones that help lay the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour, and health.
As a parent or caregiver, it’s natural to wonder if your child is “on track.” While every child grows at their own pace, understanding general milestones can help you support their development and identify any areas where extra support might be needed.
At Altona Early Education, we keep a close eye on each child’s progress and provide tailored activities to help them thrive at every stage. Here’s a helpful overview of what you can typically expect in terms of milestones from ages 0 to 5.
Milestones by Age Group
Birth to 12 Months
During their first year, babies go through rapid growth as they begin to understand the world around them.
Key milestones may include:
- Smiling and responding to faces and voices
- Rolling over, sitting up with support, crawling
- Reaching for objects and exploring with hands and mouth
- Making cooing, babbling, and eventually simple sounds
- Developing attachment to caregivers and recognising familiar faces
1 to 2 Years
Toddlers become more mobile and curious. Their language and social skills start to emerge.
Typical milestones:
- Walking independently or with support
- Saying a few simple words like “mama” or “ball”
- Pointing to objects they want or recognise
- Showing interest in other children
- Beginning to feed themselves and follow simple instructions
2 to 3 Years
This is a time of growing independence, language expansion, and social exploration.
Common milestones include:
- Speaking in short sentences (e.g., “want juice”)
- Running, climbing, and improved coordination
- Engaging in pretend play and copying adults
- Following two-step instructions
- Starting to express a wide range of emotions
3 to 4 Years
Preschoolers begin to think more creatively, socially, and independently.
Developmental milestones may include:
- Speaking in full sentences and asking lots of questions
- Recognising colours, shapes, and some numbers
- Playing cooperatively with peers
- Understanding simple time concepts (e.g., today, tomorrow)
- Using scissors, drawing basic shapes, and dressing with little help
4 to 5 Years
As school approaches, children’s skills become more refined, and they become more confident.
Typical signs of development:
- Counting, recognising letters, and writing their name
- Carrying conversations and understanding rules
- Showing empathy and resolving minor conflicts with friends
- Drawing people with body parts
- Balancing on one foot and hopping
Remember: Every Child Is Unique
It’s important to remember that these milestones are guidelines, not strict rules. Some children may walk early but talk later, while others may speak fluently before learning to run confidently. What matters most is that they continue to progress, even if it’s at their own pace.
If you ever feel unsure about your child’s development, it’s always okay to ask questions. Early support can make a big difference, and our educators are here to help you understand what’s typical—and when it might be time to check in with a professional.
How We Support Development at Altona Early Education
At Altona Early Education, we use age-appropriate activities, play-based learning, and tailored observations to support each child’s unique journey. Our educators are trained to identify milestones and gently guide your child through every stage of early development in a warm, nurturing environment.
Have Questions About Your Child’s Development?
If you’re wondering whether your child is reaching their milestones—or how best to support them—we’re here to help. Speak with our experienced team at Altona Early Education for personalised guidance, professional insight, and support you can trust.
📞 Get in touch today to learn more about our early learning programs and how we can help your child grow with confidence.
