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5.2: CDC Milestone Checklist- 3 Years Old

  • Page ID
    40926
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    1. Social and Emotional Development

    Milestone behaviors for social and emotional development
    Milestone Achieved (Yes/No/Notes)

    Copies adults and friends

     

    Shows affection for friends without prompting

     

    Takes turns in games

     

    Understands the idea of “mine” and “his” or “hers”

     

    Shows a wide range of emotions

     

    Separates easily from mom and dad

     

    May get upset with major changes in routine

     

    Dresses and undresses self

     

     

    2. Language and Communication Development

    Milestone behaviors for language and communication development
    Milestone Achieved (Yes/No/Notes)

    Follows 2- or 3-step instructions

     

    Can name most familiar things

     

    Understands words like “in,” “on,” and “under”

     

    Says first name, age, and sex

     

    Names a friend

     

    Says words like “I,” “me,” “we,” and “you”

     

    Talks well enough for strangers to understand most of the time

     

    Carries on a conversation using 2 to 3 sentences

     

     

    3. Cognitive (Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving) Development

    Milestone behaviors for cognitive development
    Milestone Achieved (Yes/No/Notes)

    Can work toys with buttons, levers, and moving parts

     

    Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people

     

    Does puzzles with 3 or 4 pieces

     

    Understands what “two” means

     

    Copies a circle with pencil or crayon

     

    Turns book pages one at a time

     

    Builds towers of more than 6 blocks

     

    Screws and unscrews jar lids or turns door handles

     

     

    4. Physical Development (Gross and Fine Motor Skills)

    Milestone behaviors for physical development
    Milestone Achieved (Yes/No/Notes)

    Climbs well

     

    Runs easily

     

    Pedals a tricycle (3-wheel bike)

     

    Walks up and down stairs, one foot on each step

     

    Catches a ball thrown at them

     

     

    Additional Notes and Observations:

    [Space for recording any specific comments, observations, or concerns about the child's development.]




     

     


    Next Steps

    If a child is not meeting most of these milestones, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

     


    5.2: CDC Milestone Checklist- 3 Years Old is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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