Makes eye contact
Cries differently for different needs (e.g. hungry vs. tired)
Coos and smiles
Turns head towards sound or voice
Quiets or smiles in response to sound or voice
Shows interest in faces
Begins to use consonant sounds in babbling, e.g. “da, da, da”
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
Imitates sounds
Uses increased variety of sounds and syllable combinations in babbling
Participates in two-way communication
Recognizes sound of their name
Looks at familiar objects and people when named
Follows some routine commands when paired with gestures
Shows recognition of commonly used words
Uses simple gestures, e.g. shaking head for “no”
Uses at least 50 words
Consistently imitates new words
Names objects and pictures
Understands simple pronouns (me, you, my)
Understands new words quickly
Identifies 3-5 body parts when named
Uses gestures and words during pretend play
Begins to use 2 word phrases
Uses simple pronouns (me, you, my)
Understands action words
Follows 2-step related directions, e.g. “Pick up your coat and bring it to me.”
Enjoys listening to stories
Consistently uses 2-3 word phrases
Uses “in” and “on”
At least 50% of speech is understood by caregiver
Follow 2-step unrelated directions, e.g. “give me the ball and go get your coat”
Understands basic nouns and pronouns
Understands “mine” and “yours”
Ask “what” and “where” questions
Uses plurals, e.g. “dogs”
Most speech is understood by caregiver
Understands most simple sentences
Simple understanding of concepts including color, space, time
Understands “why” questions
May use 5-10 words
Imitates simple words and actions
Combines sounds and gestures
Consistently follows simple directions
Shows interest in pictures
Can identify 1-2 body parts when named
Understands 50 words
Responds to questions
Repeats words overheard in conversation
Continues to produce speech-like babbling
Points at familiar objects and people in pictures
Understands “in” and “on”
Responds to yes/no questions with head shake/nod
Meaningfully uses “mama” or “dada”
Imitates speech sounds
Babbling has sounds and rhythms of speech
Responds to “no”
Responds to simple directions, e.g. “Come here”
Pays attention to where you are looking and pointing
Produces long strings of gibberish (jargoning) in social communication
Says one or two words
Begins using hand movements to communicate wants and needs, e.g. reaches to be picked up
