Skills like learning to crawl or walk, wave or talk are called developmental milestones. All children reach developmental milestones at different times.
See some resources for checking milestones in babies and preschoolers [1]
Although there is a range for children reaching their milestones, some children have delays which are outside the expected range.
Children can show delays in one or more areas, including:
If you have concerns about your child's development or behaviour, you could talk to:
See the KidsHealth page on Learning Support [2].
You know your child best. Get a second opinion if you remain concerned.
There are a range of services for children under 5 who need support with their development in New Zealand. These vary around New Zealand and include:
Your family doctor or Well Child nurse may suggest seeing a paediatrician and/or child development team.
There are some differences, depending on where in New Zealand you live. Generally, these services sit within, or alongside, paediatric or community health services within your local health or hospital service.
The child development teams usually include a range of professionals, which may include:
Child development teams work with other service providers such as preschool educational services and Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC).
Early intervention services are mainly provided by the Ministry of Education.
See the KidsHealth page on Learning Support before your child goes to school [3]
As an alternative to the services provided by the Ministry of Education, some regions have other providers of early intervention services. Ask your GP, paediatrician or child development team about your local options.
This page last reviewed 15 September 2023.
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Links
[1] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/developmental-milestones-newborns-5-years
[2] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/learning-support-what
[3] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/learning-support-your-child-goes-school
[4] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/1639?language=ko
[5] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/1640?language=ko
[6] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F27%3Flanguage%3Dko