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Communication, Language, and Literacy

Child Development:
Communication, Language, and Literacy

Babies and young children learn how to communicate through an early brain development process called “serve and return.” Think of it as a back-and-forth game, like tennis or volleyball. The back-and-forth communication between babies and adults is key to children’s healthy brain development. Serve-and-return interactions include:

  • Language
  • Eye contact
  • Gestures
  • Facial expressions.

These types of communications shape a child’s developing brain and help them learn. When children do not have serve-and-return interactions in early childhood, their development can suffer.

Check out the video below to learn more about serve and return.

Learn more about how you can support your child’s developing communication skills at different ages:
ELDG
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.
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Raising Colorado Kids Guide is brought to you by the Colorado Office of Early Childhood.

For general help, call 1-800-799-5876 or email  cdhs_oec_communications@state.co.us

Contact Us

Raising Colorado Kids is brought to you by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

For general help, call 1-800-799-5876 or email  cdec_communications@state.co.us

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