The importance of child development, in all its dimensions cannot be stressed enough, and as an Educare Centre in Cape Town, Kay-Dee takes early childhood development very seriously.

We believe that fostering healthy development in a child from birth is the single most valuable thing a parent can do for their little one.

Early childhood development which receives ongoing nurturing is what grows your child into a well-rounded, confident adult who is equipped with important social and emotional tools to navigate through the stressors of day-to-day life.

Child Development Stages

Although there is a set of general guidelines for what your little one should be able to do at certain stages of growth, it’s important to remember that every child is unique.

There is no reason to believe that there is anything wrong with your child, should they not be exactly where the guidelines indicate.

Every child grows and develops at their own pace. However, for the development to take place, the right environment and stimulation is required.

Child Development Milestones

By the time your little one begins preschool, it’s important that he or she is already capable of doing certain things without your help.

This creates as well as fosters a sense of independence and will encourage your child to try new things without automatically asking for your assistance.

An important thing to remember while observing your child while they try something new, is to not jump right in to help at the first sign of their struggle. By struggling, they are developing their own unique problem-solving abilities - a vital skill that must be learned sooner, rather than later.

Also, remember that learning something new happens in stages. It’s like building a house; the foundation is laid first and each new stage follows the last.

Pre-schooler Milestone Guidelines

Age 3

• Practice the art of dressing themselves, even if they may need help with the technical side of things like zips and buttons
• Potty trained, including expressing the need to use the loo, wiping, pulling up pants, flushing and washing hands
• Kick and throw a small ball and catching a big ball most of the time
• Snack time independence. Opening and closing lunch boxes and other containers, opening packets and opening their own juice bottle before drinking from it independently
• Turn the pages of a book one at a time
• Create towers of 6 or more building blocks

Age 4

• Eat independently using a spoon and a fork (whichever is relevant)
• Brush teeth independently
• Easily start, stop and avoid obstacles while running
• Get undressed without assistance
• Start using scissors effectively
• Draw or copy basic shapes
• Put shoes with velcro straps on independently (and on the correct foot)

Age 5

• Wash themselves when bathing
• Dress themselves independently – including zips and buttons
• Set the table
• Prepare a simple sandwich (peanut butter and jam)
• Put shoes with buckles on independently
• Decant juice or water from a bottle into a glass without major spills

Age 6

• Learn how to tie shoelaces
• Follow a series of at least 3 consecutive commands
• Brush own hair
• Know left from right
• Tidy up play area and putting away toys
• Learn how to tie shoelaces
• Able to tell the time

Kay-Dee Educare Centre Mowbray Cape Town

We take a holistic approach to fostering healthy child development and our curriculum focuses on tasks and activities which nurture your child’s growth.

For more information about our Educare Centre and why childhood development is important to us, contact us.

Should you as a parent have any serious concerns about your child’s development, we encourage you to make contact with the relevant health care professionals.