Childhood is filled with many accomplishments!

Kids grow and change in so many ways. Starting at birth, your child will begin to reach milestones in how they play, learn, act, and communicate. Examples of milestones include taking a first step, smiling, waving “bye bye,” or reaching for a toy. Milestones are different for each age range. Learn the basics of child development so you can engage with your child and make sure they are on the right track.

Learn more about developmental milestones by age using this interactive tool for parents

Try a FREE Milestone Tracker

Milestones matter! You can easily track and celebrate your child’s early development with the Milestone Tracker app from the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program. Track your child’s milestones at key developmental stages from 2 months to 5 years with the easy-to-use illustrated checklists. As well, get tips for encouraging your child’s development and find out what to do if you are concerned about how your child is developing. Photos and videos in this app illustrate each milestone and make tracking them for your child easy and fun.

Development Questions?

Children grow, develop, and learn throughout their lives – socially and emotionally, cognitively and physically. Every child is different and develops at their own pace. At the same time, there are key skills children need so they can thrive at school and in their community. You can ensure your child has these skills by checking on their milestones early and often. If you ever have concerns about your child’s development, speak up! You know your child best.

Call the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 to learn about steps you can take today to support your child’s development.

Get Connected to Helpful Programs and Resources

The ParentHelp123 Resource Finder helps Washington families find services in their communities, see if they qualify for food and health benefits, and get connected to a variety of health and child development resources. The Help Me Grow Washington website also provides important health information for pregnant women, parents, children, and families.

Get Started with Vroom

Communities across Washington are using Vroom to promote child brain development in a way that is fun and easy for anyone to do. Ready to try out some Vroom tips for the child or children in your life? Visit the Vroom website where you can get the Vroom app, sign up for Vroom by text, or print and download tips. The time you spend with your child can help their brain grow strong.

Watch for milestones during everyday moments! We offer a free screening to help parents and caregivers check a child’s developmental progress.

Learn More

News + Updates

News
November 10, 2025

Help Me Grow WA Network leverages funding to support local Help Me Grow efforts

Through the Preschool Development Grant (PDG) awarded to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) underspent dollars, Help Me Grow Washington received a total of $100,000 to invest in communities exploring or implementing Help Me Grow at the local level. Four communities were granted funding through this opportunity, including: Island, Grays Harbor, Skagit, and Whatcom. This funding wrapped up September 30, 2025.
Read More
News
October 31, 2025

2025 Federal Government Shutdown: What You Need To Know

The federal government shutdown may impact benefits like SNAP and WIC. Learn which programs are affected and find local food and family resources.
Read More
News
October 24, 2025

Bi-Directional Referral Pathway Phase 2 Evaluation Report 

The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the roll out of the permanent bi-directional referral pathway between the Help Me Grow Washington (HMG WA) and Child Care Aware of Washington (CCA-WA) systems. The overarching goal is to assess the impact of this pathway on connections between these two service systems, each of which provide essential infrastructure that supports families with young children in Washington State.
Read More
Newsletter
October 15, 2025

September 2025 HMG WA Network Newsletter (Spanish)

Nos complace destacar en este boletín a algunos de nuestros sistemas locales y comunidades comprometidas de Ayúdame a Crecer Washington.
Read More