Progress Tracking
Tools to monitor your child's development and celebrate growth
Why Track Progress?
Tracking your child's development helps you:
- Notice small improvements that add up to big changes
- Share observations with therapists and doctors
- Celebrate achievements along the way
- Identify areas that may need more support
- Stay engaged in your child's therapy goals
Tracking Tools & Resources
CDC Milestone Tracker App
The CDC offers a free app to track your child's milestones from 2 months to 5 years.
- Get milestone checklists for each age
- Track when milestones are reached
- Get tips for encouraging development
- Create reports to share with your doctor
Simple Daily Tracking
Keep a simple log of your child's progress. You can use a notebook, your phone's notes app, or a calendar. Track things like:
Communication
- New words or sounds
- Word combinations used
- Following directions
- Gestures and pointing
Motor Skills
- New movements (rolling, crawling, walking)
- Using utensils or crayons
- Climbing, jumping, running
- Self-care skills
Social/Play
- Eye contact and attention
- Playing with others
- Pretend play activities
- Following routines
Daily Living
- Eating and drinking
- Sleeping patterns
- Dressing skills
- Toilet training progress
Video Documentation
Short videos can be incredibly helpful for tracking progress and sharing with therapists:
- Record new skills - Capture the first time your child does something new
- Document concerns - Show therapists behaviors that concern you
- Compare over time - Review old videos to see how far your child has come
- Share with family - Help grandparents and others see progress
Tip: Keep videos short (30 seconds to 2 minutes) and date them so you can find them later.
Working With Your Therapy Team
Your child's therapists will help you track progress toward IFSP goals. You can support this by:
- Attend sessions when possible - See what therapists are working on
- Ask questions - Understand what progress looks like
- Share observations - Tell therapists what you notice at home
- Practice between sessions - Use strategies therapists teach you
- Prepare for IFSP reviews - Bring notes about your child's progress
Celebrate Every Step!
Progress in early intervention often comes in small steps. Remember to:
- Celebrate small victories - every new word, step, or skill matters
- Share achievements with family and your therapy team
- Be patient - development takes time
- Focus on what your child CAN do, not just what they can't
- Take photos and videos to remember milestones
Questions About Your Child's Progress?
We're here to support you. Contact us to discuss your child's development.