Child Development

As a parent or guardian, you are your child's first teacher. This page includes information that you can use to support your child's learning, growth, and development.

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Child Development

Children grow and develop quickly in the early years of life. From birth to age eight – children go from being completely reliant on the adults who care for them to being able to walk, run, speak, and play. This growth and development happens because children's brains are developing quickly. In fact, in early life, more than one million new connections form every second in the brain! Most of the growth and development that happens in early childhood is shaped by the experiences and relationships that young children have. And, no matter who these relationships are with — whether it be parents, grandparents, friends, or neighbors — they can impact children throughout their lives.

Your child may be at home with you, being cared for by a friend, family member or neighbor, or in a child care program with professional educators and caregivers. Either way, it’s important that children are with caring adults who ensure they are safe and able to participate in a variety of activities that help them learn. The relationships and experiences a child has in the early years of life impact how the brain develops. That’s why it’s so important that our children spend time with people and in situations that support their healthy development.

High-quality child care and preschool programs prepare children for success in kindergarten and at school. When you understand how children develop, you can do even more to support children’s learning. Explore the sections below to learn more about different types of child development and how to best support your child.

What would you like to learn about child development?

The Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines

Communication, Language, and Literacy

Physical Development and Health

Social-Emotional Development and Relationships

Supporting Life Transitions

Child Development by Age

Children with Disabilities

The Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines

Are you interested in learning about the expectations for your child's development based on their age? The Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines describe the path of children’s learning and development from birth to 8 years old. Broken down by age and major milestones, the guidelines are a sort of map, helping parents and caregivers navigate their child's early years. Experts from across Colorado developed these guidelines to create a shared understanding and a coordinated approach to learning and development.

Curious about what your little one is thinking at this age? Wondering what you can do to help them thrive and reach their developmental milestones? Check out the guidelines using the link below.

Browse the Guidelines

Download the Guidelines Document

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