Developmental Frameworks

Evidence-based developmental milestones for children ages 2 months through 5 years, organized by social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and movement/physical development domains. Milestones are set at ages by which 75% or more of children would be expected to exhibit them.

The ASQ-3 is a widely-used developmental screening tool organized into 5 domains. Used by pediatricians to track development at regular intervals. Note: We align activity categories to ASQ domains — we are NOT administering the ASQ.

WHO standards for gross motor milestones based on a global study of healthy children in 6 countries. Provides windows of achievement for fundamental motor milestones from birth to 2 years.

Montessori identified 'sensitive periods' — windows of time when children are particularly receptive to acquiring certain skills or knowledge. Activities aligned with sensitive periods leverage natural motivation.

The Reggio Emilia approach views children as capable, resourceful protagonists of their own learning. Originating in Reggio Emilia, Italy after WWII, this philosophy emphasizes learning through the 'hundred languages' of expression, collaborative investigation, the environment as a third teacher, and documentation of learning processes.