Milestones at 3 years
At 3 years conversation becomes the focus: back-and-forth exchanges, who/what/where/why questions and speech that others can understand most of the time. Socially, the list includes calming within 10 minutes after a drop-off and joining other children to play. Using a fork and putting on some clothes are among the movement items.
CDC's 3-year checklist lists 12 milestones: 2 social and emotional, 5 language and communication, 2 cognitive and 3 movement and physical development. The largest group at this age is language and communication, with 5 items. Each one is something most children (75% or more) can do by age 3, so many children do it earlier.
No standardized screening is routinely scheduled at the 3-year visit, but you can ask for one at any visit if you have a concern. The checkpoint before this one is 30 months, with 15 milestones. The next is 4 years, with 17.
No standardized screening is routinely scheduled at 3 years; ask for one if you have a concern. Next checkpoint: 4 years.
Screening ages: AAP, via CDCSocial and emotional2 items
“Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off”
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC“Notices other children and joins them to play”
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC
Language and communication5 items
“Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges”
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC“Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?””
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC“Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing””
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC“Says first name, when asked”
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC“Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time”
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC
Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)2 items
“Draws a circle, when you show him how”
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC“Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her”
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC
Movement and physical development3 items
“Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni”
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC“Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket”
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC“Uses a fork”
Most children (75%+) by 3 years · many earlier · Source: CDC
Checklist items quoted from CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestones for 3 years (Source: CDC). “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” materials are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.
If something is “not yet”
“You know your child best. Don’t wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.”
Source: CDC, milestone checklist for 3 years
- Write down the items you answered “Not yet” or “Not sure”, with an example of what you see at home.
- Bring the list to your child’s doctor and ask whether a developmental screening is a good next step.
- Under 3? Call your state’s early intervention program and ask for a free evaluation. You don’t need a referral.
- 3 or older? Call your local public elementary school and ask for a preschool special education evaluation.