The first years of a child’s life are full of milestone moments, and watching them grow and experience their “firsts” is a thrill for their families. Although every child has their own pace of growth, markers of child development are a good way to identify your little one’s emotional, physical, and intellectual progress. Imagination Childcare Academy is proud to educate Rochester-area children and nurture their growth through engaging activities and exercises.

Here, these childcare professionals will discuss some important child development milestones:

• Year One: Child development in the first year is mostly about the baby growing cognizant of the world around them, making deliberate physical movements, and strengthening their muscles. Major milestones in the first year include their first smile, the first time they sleep through the night, sitting up without assistance, feeding themselves, and perhaps even walking and saying a word or two.
• Year Two: During year two, a child continues to develop their motor skills, including walking on their own and being able to climb stairs and maybe even run. They’ll also begin to talk, and by the end of the year, will have a vocabulary of about 75 words. Child development markers in the second year include walking and running without help, interacting with others, and eating without assistance. 
• Year Three: Physical development continues in the third year with better balance and climbing skills, as well as a 4-pound weight gain and a 2- to 3-inch height increase. Your little one will expand their language skills and begin conversing with you. Behavioral progress is also a big element of the third year since this is when many children enter preschool, where they’ll learn how to follow rules and interact with others. 
• Year Four: By age four, most kids can converse comfortably about their likes and dislikes. They understand the concept of colors and numbers, can recall parts of stories, and can play board games. They are also able to pour, cut, and mash their own food and beverages.

Witnessing child development is both a joy as well as an important way to keep track of your little one’s needs and progress. To enroll your child in a quality preschool program that will encourage them to grow and is staffed by certified teachers, contact Imagination Childcare Academy at (585) 413-3948 or visit the center’s website.