EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Health: Birth to 5
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The Children and Families Commission of Orange County was formed in September 1999 to allocate Orange County’s funds from the Proposition 10 ballot initiative, which added a 50-cent sales tax on tobacco products sold in the state. The commission’s mission statement focuses on three platforms: Bridges for Newborns, Family Resources, and School Readiness. The commission sponsors and supports programs to meet the greatest needs of the youngest children of Orange County. The following is part of our yearlong initiative to bring you the commission’s “Help Me Grow” program. Isn’t it amazing to watch your child grow? She’s getting taller and stronger, making sounds and talking, listening and laughing, and becoming her own, unique little person! Although every child is different, there are many important milestones common to all typically developing children. Your child’s doctor looks for these milestones at every “well-child” visit and will recommend a regular schedule of appointments during your child’s early years, based on a recommended schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here are a few examples of what you can expect as your child grows: Babies • By 4 months of age, most babies look to see where sounds are coming from or react to loud noises. • By 6 months of age most babies like to be held, talked to and comforted. • By 1 year of age, most babies can sit up without help. Toddlers • By 18 months of age, most children can walk. • By 2 years of age, most children can kick a big ball, scribble, and build a tower with two or three blocks. • By 2 years of age, a child will point to objects or people to show what he wants or needs. Preschoolers • By 3 years of age, most children are able to follow simple directions and speak in three- or four-word sentences. • By 4 years of age, most children play make-believe games and group games with other children. • At 3-5 years of age, most children have tantrums. However, if your child’s tantrums last longer than 30 minutes or happen on a daily basis, he may benefit from further evaluation. You know your child better than anyone. If you feel that your child is not developing like other children her age, or if you have concerns about how she talks, hears, sees, moves, behaves, learns new skills, or gets along with others, trust your instincts! Talk to your child’s doctor and don’t wait. For a list of early-warning signs, contact the YMCA of Orange County toll-free at 866.242.9622. Other good sources of information are your local school district office, Family Resource Center, Children’s Home Society of California, or public library. For information about Orange County resources and services for young children and families, call InfoLink Orange County at 949.955.2255 or toll-free at 888.600.4357.m Children and Families Commission of Orange County. For more information, visit www.occhildrenandfamilies.org |
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