LANSING, MI — Knowing the developmental milestones for preschool children can help parents and other caregivers identify when a child is struggling, making the awareness of resources available to them critical.
To help, a new mail campaign from Build Up is offering resources to caregivers to help them if they notice developmental delays with their child.
“We wanted to provide important information about early child development to childcare providers because, aside from parents and family, they spend a lot of time with children every day,” said Christy Callahan, Director of the Office of Innovative Projects for Clinton County RESA. “We recognize that ages 3 through 5 are a critical time for children as they develop and Build Up is there to support families if they have questions or need guidance.”
The mailer, which was sent the last week of September to more than 600 childcare providers across 13 Michigan counties, explains developmental milestones for each age from 3 through 5 years old. It includes a QR code to provide information about resources provided through buildupmi.org, including getting connected with a Build Up Coordinator.
“We know that children grow and reach developmental milestones as they play, learn, speak, act, move and socialize with other kids,” said Callahan. “Childcare professionals who are around children everyday are in one of the best positions to recognize if a child is reaching developmental milestones or to recognize delays in development.”
Milestones are different for every age and children develop and grow at their own pace.
At age 3, most children show affection without prompting; take turns in games; imitate adults and friends, turn book pages one at a time, and put some clothes on by themselves.
Most children at age 4 will play with other children rather than by themselves; enjoy doing new things, say a sentence of four or more words and can unbutton some buttons.
Children who are 5 years old typically can pay attention to an activity for 5-10 minutes, may be able to skip or hop; and can enjoy imaginary play with friends.
“These areas of development are important skills for preschool children to have in order to build a strong foundation for learning and prepare for kindergarten,” said Callahan. “The areas of development include cognitive (thinking), communication (speech and language), social/emotional (interactions and feelings), independence (self-help), and physical (vision, hearing and movement).”
If childcare providers identify a potential developmental issue, they can connect the family with Build Up resources and a Coordinator. Additional information is available at www.buildupmi.org, or by calling 1-888-320-8384 (the Michigan Special Education Information Line).
“The Build Up Coordinator can help parents determine the next best steps for their child and tell them if their child is eligible for support,” said Callahan.
Services for preschool children are provided free of charge through the public school system.
“We want every child to find the resources they need to be successful in their education,” Callahan said.
Build Up helps parents and their children, ages 3 through 5, get additional educational support as they begin and continue to learn the skills needed to enter kindergarten. An initiative of the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education, Build Up supports child find efforts through targeted outreach. The goal is to refer all children who may be eligible for special education services through Michigan’s Administrative Rules for Special Education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part B. Build Up also provides information about the early intervention referral process for children birth through 5 years of age in Michigan.
Michigan Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to children, ages 3 through 5, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, Part B, Section 619). Through its 56 Intermediate School Districts (ISDs), Michigan’s ECSE program offers a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible children at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). LRE means that young children with disabilities should get services in community-based preschool settings and programs whenever possible.