Parent Resources

Holiday Schedule:

Archild is closed in observation of the following holidays throughout the year:

• • New Year’s Day
  • MLK Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Indepdence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day 

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any
USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Signs & Symptoms of Developmental Delay

Archild’s evidence-based, individualized intervention model supports the needs of children six weeks to six years of age with a variety of developmental disabilities. Our classroom and therapeutic programs address the associated developmental delays in order to maximize potential and independence in childhood and beyond. Read below to learn about the potential signs of developmental delay.

Possible Signs of Physical Delay:

By 9 months

• Doesn’t stand alone while holding on to something or walk sideways while holding on to furniture
• Doesn’t move from their back to sitting up without assistance
• Doesn’t hold an object in each hand at once
• Doesn’t bang objects and transfer from one hand to the other
• Doesn’t use arms to move forward on their belly

By 18 months

• Doesn’t scribble on paper
• Doesn’t squat then stand again maintaining balance 
• Doesn’t demonstrate controlled starts and stops when walking
• Doesn’t creep backwards down steps
• Doesn’t pick up small objects with thumb and forefinger

By 36 months ( 3 years old)

• Doesn’t throw a ball overhand and catch a ball by trapping it on chest
• Doesn’t imitate circular, vertical and horizontal strokes on paper
• Doesn’t snip paper with scissors
• Doesn’t walk up stairs
• Doesn’t stand on one foot for a few seconds
• Doesn’t thread small beads on a string

By 48 months (4 years old)

• Doesn’t copy drawing a cross and square
• Doesn’t hop on one foot
• Doesn’t jump forward with feet together and jump over low objects
• Doesn’t walk down steps alternating feet
• Doesn’t run around objects and corners 

By 60 months (5 years old)

• Doesn’t cut a straight line and simple shapes
• Doesn’t balance on one foot
• Doesn’t bounce and catch tennis ball
• Doesn’t color within the lines 

Possible Signs of Language Delay:

By 9 months

• Doesn’t respond with appropriate gestures to “up,” “bye-bye,” or other routines
• Doesn’t use three or more consonants 
• Doesn’t move body to music
• Doesn’t laugh out loud
• Doesn’t imitate sounds
• Doesn’t briefly stop activity when name is called
• Doesn’t vocalize pleasure and displeasure

By 18 months

• Doesn’t follow simple, spoken commands
• Doesn’t follow directions about placing an item “in” or “on” another
• Doesn’t use at least five words
• Doesn’t point to five or more familiar persons, animals or toys 
• Doesn’t point to three or more body parts when asked 
• Doesn’t indicate “yes” or “no” in response to questions 

By 36 months (3 years old)

• Doesn’t identify common objects described by their use
• Doesn’t use sentences or three or more words 
• Doesn’t use some regular plurals (e.g., boy – boys) 
• Doesn’t understand “big” and “little”
• Doesn’t respond to “who” and “whose” questions
• Doesn’t ask “what” or “where” questions
• Doesn’t understand “beside” and “under”

By 48 months (4 years old) 

• Doesn’t state full name
• Doesn’t name primary colors
• Doesn’t answer questions when told a short story
• Doesn’t use pronouns
• Doesn’t use facial expressions and body language to demonstrate emotions
• Doesn’t make statements about cause and effect
• Can’t define at least five simple words
• Can’t tell how simple objects are used 

By 60 months (5 years old)

• Doesn’t identify rhyming words
• Can’t complete simple word analogies (e.g., “ice is cold; Fire is ____.”)
• Doesn’t use sentences with five or more words
• Can’t state similarities between objects 
• Doesn’t respond to questions using time concepts (e.g., “When do you eat dinner?”)
• Doesn’t tell simple stories without picture cards
• Doesn’t participate in group discussion
• Doesn’t generate complex sentences 

Possible Signs of Social-Emotional Delay:

By 9 months 

• Doesn’t comfort self (e.g., sucks hand or thumb)
• Doesn’t express desire to be picked up and extend arms to familiar persons 
• Doesn’t initiate social contact and express affection 
• Doesn’t play simple games (e.g., peek-a-boo)
• Doesn’t respond differently to children and adults 

By 18 months

• Doesn’t imitate facial expressions, actions and sounds
• Doesn’t bring toys to share with caregivers
• Doesn’t play well for a brief time in groups of two or three children
• Doesn’t separate from caregivers in familiar setting without crying
• Doesn’t attempt to comfort others in distress
• Doesn’t enjoy simple make-believe
• Doesn’t look to caregiver for reassurance when faced with a novel situation 

By 36 months (3 years)

• Doesn’t look at people when speaking with them
• Doesn’t take turns
• Doesn’t recognize when another person is happy or sad
• Doesn’t claim certain things as being their own
• Doesn’t show affection to younger children by hugging and kissing
• Doesn’t repeat rhymes, songs or dances for others
• Doesn’t change activities when requested
• Doesn’t interact appropriately with others during group activities

By 48 months (4 years)

• Doesn’t share toys
• Doesn’t’ play group board or card game
• Doest quiet down after active play
• Doesn’t participate in circle games 
• Doesn’t return objects to their appropriate place
• Doesn’t express anger with words rather than physical action
• Can’t except friendly teasing
• Doesn’t show empathy for others

By 60 months (5 years old)

• Doesn’t offer an item or activity to another in exchange for something else
• Doesn’t accept valid criticism 
• Doesn’t talk about their feelings
• Doesn’t offer assistance to others
• Doesn’t help with group projects
• Doesn’t say “excuse me” to interrupt politely
• Doesn’t respond with appropriate affect or action in social situations