AJE is pleased the share that the CDC’s free developmental milestones and resources have updated content and a new look! Early childhood experts revised the milestones and expanded tips for families to help support children’s development and identify children who may need additional developmental screening and support. www.cdc.gov/ActEarly/Materials

• View the recent publication detailing the process for updating the milestones.
• View the updated milestones at www.cdc.gov/Milestones, 
• Download the new materials at www.cdc.gov/ActEarly/Materials,
• There may be a brief (1-2 week) delay in the release of the updated Milestone Tracker app due to some additional requirements.

Here is what’s new:

1. Updated nearly all of the developmental milestones included in existing materials to improve clarity, reduce confusion, reflect the current evidence for milestones, and reduce the likelihood of a “wait and see” approach to missed milestones

2. Milestones are at the age most (75% or more) children would be expected to achieve them

3. Developed 15- and 30-month milestone checklists

4. Revised and expanded the tips and activities to support children’s development for all ages

5. Added open-ended questions to help facilitate conversations with healthcare providers and others

6. “Red flags/warning signs” are now embedded within the milestones to reduce confusion about when to take action on missing milestones

7. Redesigned the Milestone Moments booklet, adding a new screening “passport”, and refreshed the design of the milestone checklists, promotional milestones brochure, and gameboard poster

However, you will find that what you liked most about the materials has remained the same,

·   They’re FREE

·   Available in English, Spanish and some other languages (more on the way!)

·   Colorful, engaging, and include images that reflect racial and ethnic diversity

·   Written in family-friendly plain language at a 5^th to 7^th grade reading level

·   Facilitate ongoing developmental surveillance and complement developmental screening

Approach to Updating the Developmental Milestones

In partnership with CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) identified and convened eight early childhood developmental experts. These experts established criteria for revising “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” (LTSAE) milestones and conducted a comprehensive literature review, cross-referenced with current developmental resources, to inform the revisions. The updated criteria for milestones included

o  Most (75% or more) children would be expected to demonstrate the milestone at the specified age

o  Is easy to observe in natural settings

o  Descriptions use plain language and avoid vague terms like may, can, and begins

o  Show progression of skills with age, when possible

 

Find answers to commonly asked questions about these changes.

Approach to Updating the Parent Tips

The revised parent tips were developed through a comprehensive review process and cross walked with common developmental promotion resources. The tips were revised based on previous experience with developing family-friendly, plain-language materials. An expert workgroup from CDC’s LTSAE program, Child Development Studies (CDS) team, and Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) reviewed and provided recommendations for these tips. In addition, there was input from CDC’s Safety Team and the Division of Violence and Prevention on relevant tips.