A child's growth is not just physical; the milestones that mark a child's development also include social, cognitive, language, and motor skills. CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign shows the familiar milestones of physical growth, such as height and first tooth, and explains that there are other important signs to watch for, like using pronouns and engaging in pretend play.

Every parent needs to know the developmental milestones – not just because something might be wrong with a child, but because knowing how a child learns, speaks, acts, and plays is simply a basic aspect of knowing a child's developmental health.

Child health care providers need to be proactive in conducting developmental screenings and referring children with potential delays for more tests or treatment. A "wait-and-see" approach to diagnosing developmental delays can lead to missed opportunities for providing needed care.

If parents have concerns about their child's development, they should consult their child's doctor. If the doctor recommends a "wait-and-see" approach and parents are still concerned, they should seek a second opinion from a developmental pediatrician or other qualified professional, and they can contact their local early intervention agency or public school.

Below are materials developed to promote the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign in Kentucky. These materials are research-based, free, easily accessible and available for distribution. If you have any questions, please contact Diandre Glover Thomas at (502) 852-2467 or by e-mail at diandre.gloverthomas at louisville.edu.

Act Early ASD Fact Sheet

English-Spanish [PDF] [TXT], Arabic [PDF] [TXT], Bosnian [PDF][TXT], French [PDF] [TXT], Somali [PDF] [TXT], Swahili [PDF] [TXT], Vietnamese [PDF] [TXT]

Waiting Room Poster

This poster outlines important developmental milestones in the form of a growth chart and is designed to be displayed in a childcare center or health-care settings.

"Waiting Room" Poster [PDF] | [TXT]

Amazing Me - It's Busy Being 3!

Meet Joey, an amazing 3-year-old kangaroo who is very excited about all that he can do now that he is three. Joey doesn't know it, but these amazing things are called developmental milestones, and they're a very important part of each child's growth.

"Amazing Me - It's Busy Being 3" Book [PDF] | [TXT]

Download "It's Better to Know!" Fotonovela

Fotonovela English [PDF][TXT] | Fotonovela Español [PDF][TXT]

Milestones Brochure

This tri-fold brochure includes a checklist of key milestones from 6 months to 4 years of age in a game board design. It also includes a message for parents about the importance of tracking their child's milestones and provides information about what to do and who to contact if they are concerned about their child's development.

"Milestones Brochure" English [PDF][TXT] | "Milestones Brochure" Español [PDF] [TXT]

Milestone Moments Booklet

This 42-page booklet is the campaign's most comprehensive material for parents. It includes complete milestone checklists and warning signs for all ages (from 2 months to 5 years of age), as well as tips and activities to help parents support their child's development.

"Milestone Moments Booklet" English [PDF][TXT]| "Milestone Moments Booklet" Español [PDF][TXT]

Milestone Poster

This poster outlines important developmental milestones and is designed to be displayed in a childcare center or healthcare settings.

"Milestone Poster" [PDF] | [TXT]

Fact Sheets (Autism, Asperger's and Developmental Screening)

Parent-friendly information about developmental disabilities. The fact sheets are intended to be photocopied for distribution.

"Autism Spectrum Disorders" [PDF][TXT] | "Asperger's" [PDF][TXT]| "Developmental Screening" [PDF] [TXT]

Outreach Flyer -- "Almost Walking!"

This outreach flyer can be distributed to parents of young children or others, and provides the contact information needed to visit the campaign online.

"Almost Walking!" English [PDF][TXT] | "Almost Walking!" Español [PDF] [TXT]

Outreach Flyer -- "First Tooth"

This outreach flyer can be distributed to parents of young children or others, and provides the contact information needed to visit the campaign online.

"First Tooth" English [PDF][TXT] | "First Tooth" Español [PDF][TXT]

Health Care Professional Outreach Flyer

This flyer is best suited for outreach to health care professionals, and provides the contact information needed to visit the campaign online.

"Health Care Professional Outreach Flyer" English [PDF][TXT] | "Health Care Professional Outreach Flyer" Español [PDF][TXT]

Child Care Provider Outreach Flyer

This flyer is best suited for outreach to early educators/child care providers, and provides the contact information needed to visit the campaign online.

"Child Care Provider Outreach Flyer" English [PDF][TXT] | "Child Care Provider Outreach Flyer" Español [PDF][TXT]

Go Out and Play! Kit

A resource for fun and interactive activities designed for children 3 through 5 years of age, as well as other important information about development and how to share concerns with parents.

"Go Out and Play! Kit" [PDF] | [TXT]

Tips for Talking with Parents

If you suspect a child has a developmental delay and believe a parent is unaware of it, this sample conversation can give you ideas of how to talk with the child's parent.

"Tips for Talking with Parents" [PDF] | [TXT]