At 31-36 Months, Your Child will Likely…

Physical Development:

Puts on shoes but cannot tie laces.
Tries to catch a large ball.
Can throw the ball overheard and kick a ball forward.
Can stand, balance and hop on one foot.
Pedals a tricycle.
Climbs up and down a small slide by him/herself.
Can jump over a 6-inch barrier.
Can feed self with spoon and fork.
Can use toilet independently.
Can brush teeth and wash hands.
Is interested in handling food and cooking procedures.
Avoids simple hazards.

Social & Emotional Development:

Begins associative play activities.
Names or points to self in photos.
Joins in nursery rhymes and songs.
Likes praise.
Has greater impulse control.
Dawdles.
Shows sympathy, modesty and shame.

Intellectual Development:

Talks so that 75 to 80% of his speech is understandable.
Uses 3- to 5-word sentences.
May stumble over words sometimes-this is not usually a sign of stuttering.
Verbalizes toilet needs.
Uses plural and increases use of verbs.
Begins use of adjectives and prepositions.
Vocabulary of 900 to 1000 words by 3 years.
Uses verbal commands.
Gives full name when asked.
Asks "What's That?"

Delevopmental milestones associated with feeding:

Spills small amount from spoon.
Begins to use fork; holds it in fist.
Uses adult pattern of chewing, which involves rotary action of jaw.

18 Months to 3 Years - First Connections with Families
First Connections with Families provides information about child development, reading to your child, and child health and safety.

The Early Learning Guidelines for Ages Birth to 3
This exciting new resource is being written to assist early childhood caregivers/teachers, parents and other adults with information about supporting the learning and development of young children. The Guidelines provide information related to seven domains or areas of learning and development: