Talking & Reading
- Smiling, cooing, squealing, laughing, babbling
- Gestures with arms & waves goodbye
- Calms when hearing familiar voices
Be Ready by 5: Birth - Age 1
The following information will help you as you interact with your child from birth to age 1 and have learning experiences that will not only help them be ready for Kindergarten, but that will help develop a special bond between you and your child!
What to Look For
Connecting & Feeling
- Cries when caregiver leaves
- Laughs & smiles at familiar adults
- Self soothes by sucking fingers or toy
- Makes eye contact
Counting & Measuring
- Holds objects in each hand, picks up a third
- Tracks toys with eyes
- Bangs toys together
- Explores with toys: rolling, sliding
Playing & Problem Solving
- Shows excitement for new activities, turns towards sounds
- Moves or responds to new people by babbling or turning their body
- Turns, rolls, crawls toward something on their own
- Repeats an action on purpose like dropping a spoon
Growing & Developing
- Visits their doctor/pediatrician for a well-visit at 3-5 days old, and 2, 4, 6, and 9 months old and at age 1
- Receives appropriate vaccinations
Get Them Ready
You can help your child be ready for Kindergarten and beyond by working on skills with them. Here are some helpful and easy ways to engage with your child!
Talk to Your Baby and Let Them Babble!
- Read to your baby everyday! Let them see the books and touch, grab, chew and turn pages
- Talk to your baby on their level and narrate what you’re doing, even if they’re small tasks
- Blow bubbles and count them out
Floor Time!
- Having both back and tummy time helps with development. Make sure to play with your child and explore toys that make sounds or catch their attention. Encourage them to turn their head to each side by being silly or making fun noises
- Use rattles and show them how to bang them together and shake them
Additional Things to Consider: Birth – Age 1
Movement helps with strong brain development. Supervised floor time in a safe and friendly environment can help your kids get comfortable with new movements. Use tummy time or floor time as a way to create a lifelong bond with your child.
Remember: Growth is a process. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, talk with your doctor or pediatrician.
Check Eligibility
Fill out our eligibility screener to learn about all the resources you qualify for based on your needs.
Ensuring that every child in Montgomery County, Ohio is healthy and ready for success in Kindergarten and beyond.
