Why Developmental Milestones Matter

As parents, watching your child grow and learn is one of life’s greatest joys. From their first steps to forming friendships, each milestone is a step toward independence. But how do you know if they’re on track?

At Golden Seeds, we understand that every child develops at their own pace, and comparing one child to another isn’t always helpful. Instead, we focus on supporting individual growth, celebrating progress, and working closely with families to nurture each child’s full potential.

Key Developmental Milestones by Age

0-12 Months: The Foundation for Growth

• Physical: Rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and standing with support.
• Cognitive: Recognising familiar faces, exploring objects, and responding to their name.
• Communication: Babbling, imitating sounds, and making gestures.
• Social & Emotional: Smiling, laughing, and forming strong attachments.

📌 How to support them: Talk, sing, and read to your baby daily. Provide sensory-rich play experiences like tummy time and gentle touch games. Respond warmly to their sounds and expressions, reinforcing their early communication skills.

1-2 Years: The Curious Explorer Stage

• Physical: Walking, climbing, and beginning to run.
• Cognitive: Pointing at objects of interest, understanding basic instructions, and engaging in simple problem-solving.
• Communication: Saying basic words, following simple commands, and using gestures.
• Social & Emotional: Expressing affection, playing alongside other children, and exploring independence.

📌 How to support them: Offer safe spaces to explore and encourage play that involves imitation, like pretend cooking or playing with dolls. Name objects and actions to build vocabulary, and establish consistent daily routines.

3-4 Years: Growing Independence and Imagination

• Physical: Jumping, balancing on one foot, and improving fine motor skills.
• Cognitive: Engaging in imaginative play, following multi-step directions, and recognising colours.
• Communication: Speaking in full sentences, asking questions, and developing a sense of humour.
• Social & Emotional: Taking turns, learning to share, and managing emotions.

📌 How to support them: Provide open-ended toys like building blocks and art supplies to foster creativity. Encourage conversations by asking open-ended questions and practicing turn-taking in play. Validate their emotions and model healthy ways to express feelings.

5-6 Years: School Readiness and Beyond

• Physical: Balancing, riding a bike, and refining motor coordination.
• Cognitive: Understanding time, recognising letters and numbers, and solving simple problems.
• Communication: Telling stories, following multi-step instructions, and engaging in discussions.
• Social & Emotional: Showing empathy, making friends, and managing emotions more independently.

📌 How to support them: Read together daily, encourage responsibility with small tasks, and provide plenty of social opportunities like playdates and team activities.

How Golden Seeds Supports Development

Our experienced educators observe and support each child’s progress using the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which focuses on holistic development. We:

• Provide age-appropriate learning experiences tailored to each child’s needs.
• Work closely with families to share observations and insights.
• Offer engaging activities that encourage problem-solving, social skills, and curiosity.

If we notice that a child may need extra support, we work alongside parents and trusted professionals to provide gentle, tailored interventions that ensure every child reaches their full potential.

📅 Curious about our approach? Book a tour today to learn more!
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