Official State of Rhode Island website

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State of Rhode Island, Resources for Children, Families and Community ,

How Children Grow and Learn

Children grow and learn quickly in their early years. Getting recommended well visits and knowing developmental milestones help track how they’re doing in speech, movement, behavior, and more.

Child playing with a set of colorful blocks

Key milestones

Every child is different, but milestones show what most kids can do at each age. Explore more from the Centers for Disease Control and download the milestone app. In addition, the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 If you’re concerned

As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for their age, or if you have concerns about  the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves, talk to your child’s doctor and share your concerns. Don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference. Explore CDC suggestions for getting help. You may also contact early intervention (ages 0 - 3) and screening resources (ages 3 - 5) directly. 

child appearing to be concerned

Topics and Information (More coming soon)

This section will expand to cover how children grow in many ways—how their brains develop, how they learn to talk, move, eat, sleep, and get ready for school. You’ll find easy-to-follow tips to support your child at every stage.