Quiets or smiles in response to sound or voice
Makes eye contact
Cries differently for different needs, e.g. hungry vs. tired
Coos and smiles
Shows interest in faces
Makes different kinds of sounds to express feelings
Uses babbling to get attention
Listens and responds when spoken to
Reacts to sudden noises or sounds
Notices toys that make sounds
Combines consonants and vowels in different ways e.g. ahhh-b, mmm-uuuh, eee-p
Participates in two-way communication
Recognizes sound of their name
Looks at familiar objects and people when named
Shows recognition of commonly used words
Uses simple gestures, e.g. raises hands to be picked up
Makes different vowel sounds, e.g. eee, ooo, ahh, uh
Uses smiles, sounds, or movement to get attention
Begins to giggle or laugh
Meaningfully uses “mama” or “dada”
Imitates speech sounds
Babbling has sounds and rhythms of speech
Responds to “no”
Follows some directions when paired with a gesture
Pays attention to where you are looking and pointing
Uses 1 or 2 words other than "mama" or "dada"
Begins using hand movements to communicate wants and needs, e.g. reaches out hand to give/take objects
Consistently imitates new words
Names objects and pictures
Understands new words quickly
Begins to use 2 word phrases
Uses simple pronouns (me, you, my)
Points to objects they want
Copies others
Says 3 or more words
Can say their own name
Imitates simple words and actions
Understands action words
Follows 2-step related directions, e.g. “Pick up your coat and bring it to me.”
Follows simple directions, e.g. "Come here”
At least 50% of speech is understood by caregiver
Ask “what” and “where” questions
Uses some plurals, e.g. “dogs”
Understands most simple sentences
Understands “why” questions
Shows interest in pictures
Can identify 1-2 body parts when named
Turns head towards sound or voice
Repeats words overheard in conversation
Points at familiar objects and people in pictures when named
Understands “in” and “out”
Uses at least 50 words
Uses gestures and words during pretend play
