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Early Childhood

Birth to 5 — the most powerful years of all. Understanding what to expect, what to watch for, and how to support your child during the years that shape everything.

The early years are the most important developmental window in your child's life — and you are already their most important teacher. Use this section to explore what to expect at each stage, what to watch for, and how to make the most of every day at home.

Explore by Age & Topic

Birth–12 Months Ages 1–3 Ages 3–5 Supporting at Home

0–3 Months

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Responds to voices and familiar faces. Startles at loud sounds — a sign hearing is working. Begins to coo and make soft sounds. Makes eye contact and starts to smile. Lifts head briefly during tummy time.

4–6 Months

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Babbles with expression — different sounds for different feelings. Reaches for objects and brings them to mouth. Rolls front to back. Recognises their name. Laughs and squeals with delight.

7–9 Months

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Sits without support. Passes objects between hands. Says mama and dada without meaning yet. Understands no. Waves, claps, and plays peek-a-boo.

10–12 Months

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Pulls to stand, cruises furniture, may take first steps. Uses 1–2 words with meaning. Points to things they want. Follows simple instructions like give me that. Imitates actions they see.

12–18 Months

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Walks independently. Uses 5–20 words. Feeds themselves with fingers. Shows affection with hugs. Points to body parts when asked. Explores everything — this curiosity is healthy.

18–24 Months

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Vocabulary grows rapidly — 50+ words. Begins combining two words. Runs, climbs, kicks a ball. Plays alongside other children. Tantrums begin — this is normal, not naughty.

2–3 Years

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Speaks in 3–4 word sentences. Asks why constantly — answer every time. Sorts by colour and shape. Dresses with help. Plays imaginatively. Toilet training often begins around 2.5 years.

3–4 Years

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Tells simple stories. Counts to 10. Draws a circle and basic shapes. Plays cooperatively with other children. Understands same and different. Knows first and last name. Manages buttons and zips with practice.

4–5 Years

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Speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand. Writes some letters, especially their name. Counts objects to 10. Follows 3-step instructions. Shows empathy and understands feelings in others. Ready for school-readiness activities.

What to Watch For

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Talk to a professional if your child is not babbling by 12 months, not using single words by 16 months, not using 2-word phrases by 24 months, or loses language skills at any age. Early support makes the biggest difference.

Talk Constantly

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Narrate your day as you do it. "Now I am washing the dishes. The water is warm. Can you see the bubbles?" Every word you say builds their brain.

Read Every Day

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Even board books with one word per page matter. Point to pictures, name them, let them touch the pages. 10 minutes of shared reading daily is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

Play is Learning

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Building blocks = maths. Pretend play = language. Messy play = science. Never feel guilty about unstructured play — it is doing serious developmental work.

Limit Screens

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Before age 2, avoid screens except for video calls with family. Ages 2–5, keep it under 1 hour daily of quality content — and watch together so you can talk about what you see.

✦ A note from Yolande

"What happens in the first five years does not stay in the first five years — it travels with your child into every classroom, every relationship, and every challenge they will ever face. The most powerful classroom they will ever sit in is your home, and you are already their teacher. You have been from the very first day."

— Yolande Robinson, B.Ed, M.Ed

Work with Learn & Lead

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Every child develops differently. If you have questions about your child's early development or want personalised guidance, Yolande is here to help.

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