Child Search
Grant Parish Public Schools encourages families to track their child’s developmental milestones and act early if they have concerns. How a child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves can provide important clues about development.
A printable Child Search brochure is available for families who would like a downloadable copy of the developmental milestone and contact information.
Who to Contact
For more information about your child’s development or what to do if you have a concern, contact the appropriate resource based on your child’s age.
Child Find
Ages 3 and olderFor children age 3 and older, contact Grant Parish Public Schools Child Find for information about evaluation and available school-based supports.
Phone: 318-627-3274
Extension: 1125
Early Steps
Birth through age 3For children from birth through age 3, contact Early Steps to get help finding early intervention resources in your area.
Phone: 318-308-5969
Milestones Matter
Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. They can help families and doctors understand how a child is growing and developing.
How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about his or her development. Families are encouraged to check off milestones their child has reached and share progress with the doctor at every well-child visit.
Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Learn the signs of your child’s development and act early if you ever have a concern. Early conversations and screenings can help children and families get support sooner.
CDC Milestone Tracker
Families can use CDC milestone checklists and the Milestone Tracker app to learn what milestones their child has reached and what to expect next.
Talk With Your Child’s Doctor
If you have concerns, talk with your child’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.
What to Do If You Have a Concern
You know your child best. If your child is not meeting milestones or you are concerned about the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves, do not wait.
Acting early can make a real difference. If you or your child’s doctor still has concerns, families may ask for a referral to a specialist and request a free evaluation to find out whether the child can receive services.
Step 1: Share Your Concerns
Talk with your child’s doctor about the milestones your child has reached and any concerns you have about your child’s development.
Step 2: Ask About Screening
Ask your child’s doctor about developmental screening and whether additional follow-up may be needed.
Step 3: Request Help
For children under age 3, contact Early Steps. For children age 3 or older, contact Child Find through Grant Parish Public Schools.
Developmental Milestone Examples
These are only a few examples of important milestones to look for. For complete checklists by age, visit CDC’s developmental milestones resources.
6 Months
- Copies sounds
- Begins to sit without support
- Likes to play with others, especially parents
- Responds to own name
- Strings vowels together when babbling
12 Months
- Uses simple gestures, such as shaking head “no” or waving “bye-bye”
- Copies gestures
- Responds to simple spoken requests
- Says “mama” and “dada”
- Pulls up to stand
18 Months
- Says several single words
- Walks alone
- Knows what ordinary things are for
- Plays simple pretend, such as feeding a doll
- Points to show others something interesting
2 Years
- Follows simple instructions
- Kicks a ball
- Points to things or pictures when they are named
- Says sentences with 2 to 4 words
- Gets excited when with other children
3 Years
- Copies adults and friends
- Carries on a conversation using 2 to 3 sentences
- Climbs well
- Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people
- Shows affection for friends without prompting
4 Years
- Hops and stands on one foot for up to 2 seconds
- Would rather play with other children than alone
- Tells stories
- Draws a person with 2 to 4 body parts
- Plays cooperatively
Family Resources
Families can use these resources to learn more about developmental milestones, developmental concerns, and early support.
Developmental Milestones
Use milestone checklists to track your child’s development and prepare for conversations with your child’s doctor.
Concerned About Development?
Learn what steps to take if you are concerned about your child’s development or if your child is not meeting milestones.
Local Help
Contact Grant Parish Public Schools Child Find for children age 3 and older, or Early Steps for children from birth through age 3.