February 2022
CDC's Updated Developmental Milestones

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) "Learn the Signs. Act Early." (LTSAE) Program is pleased to announce the release of revised developmental milestones and tips to support early child development.  

Here is what’s new: 
  • Updated nearly all of the developmental milestones included in existing materials to improve clarity, reduce confusion, reflect the current evidence for milestones, and reduce the likelihood of a “wait and see” approach to missed milestones 
  • Milestones are at the age most (75% or more) children would be expected to achieve them 
  • Developed 15- and 30-month milestone checklists 
  • Revised and expanded the tips and activities to support children’s development for all ages 
  • Added open-ended questions to help facilitate conversations with healthcare providers and others 
  • “Red flags/warning signs” are now embedded within the milestones to reduce confusion about when to take action on missing milestones 
  • Redesigned the Milestone Moments booklet, adding a new screening “passport”, and refreshed the design of the milestone checklists, promotional milestones brochure, and game board poster 
However, you will find that what you liked most about the materials has remained the same, 
  • They’re FREE 
  • Available in English, Spanish and some other languages (more on the way!) 
  • Colorful, engaging, and include images that reflect racial and ethnic diversity 
  • Written in family-friendly plain language at a 5th to 7th grade reading level 
  • Facilitate ongoing developmental surveillance and complement developmental screening

LTSAE aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and support they need.

Act Early DC is a public service campaign to support and collaborate with DC early childhood programs that support families and child development to advance developmental monitoring and support developmental screening. We do not provide services but work in the DC area to deliver the CDC’s LTSAE program to educate families and professionals about developmental milestones and the importance of developmental screening and acting when there is a concern with a baby, toddler or child’s development.
Yoga for Black and African American Parents and Caregivers

De-stress and Rest in a “Breathe and Rest” session!

Are you a Black or African American parent/caregiver of children ages 0-8? Do you live in DC, Maryland, or Virginia? Do you need a space to de-stress and rest?

Join Act Early DC for a FREE restorative yoga class on March 31st from 7-8:30pm. This 90-minute session will be led by Adriana Adele, a registered yoga teacher, and is designed to help you manage your stress and sleep better. To learn more about what to expect during the session, please check out Adriana's Breathe and Rest Guide. Yoga experience is not required to participate. However, parents/caregivers will be expected to complete a survey after the session.

Parents/caregivers of children with special healthcare needs and disabilities are encouraged to attend.

If you are interested in joining these yoga sessions, register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BreatheandRestMarch31
Focus Group Participants Needed

Are you a DC Resident?
Do you identify as Black or African American?
Are you also the parent/caregiver of a child age 0-5?

If your answer is yes (to all three questions), we want to hear from you!

Act Early DC is developing a children's book about developmental milestones to support Black and African American parents/caregivers. Young children grow so fast and it can be hard to know what to expect, but with the right tools, parents/caregivers can learn how they can support their child’s development.

Join the Act Early DC Book Project Focus Group on Saturday, March 26th from 10-11:30am. The focus group will be hosted on Zoom.

Participants will receive a $50 gift card for participation.

Meet our Partners:
Help Me Grow DC and WIC

Help Me Grow DC is an information and referral helpline available at no cost that provides parents, physicians, and providers with the knowledge and resources they need to make a difference in the lives of children.

Help Me Grow DC's mission is to ensure DC families get the support they need to help their child(ren) grow. Their core purpose is connecting families to the developmental and behavioral resources for their child(ren).


DC Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) is a food assistance and nutrition education program for women, infants, and children. WIC's website is packed with nutrition and health information, how to apply for food assistance, resources, and more.

This quick video explains how to use your WIC checks. This includes how to use the WIC ID Book, where to use your WIC checks, what the checks look like, and helpful tips and tricks!