Noticing Developmental Delays in Your Child? Here's how early intervention can help

What Are Developmental Milestones? 

Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. These include things like: 

• Smiling at people 
• Rolling over 
• Sitting up 
• Saying simple words 
• Walking 
• Playing with others 

While children grow and learn at their own pace, there are general timelines for when most kids reach the skills listed above. And when a child is behind in one or more areas—like communication, movement, social skills, or problem-solving—it may be a sign of a developmental delay.  

What If Your Child Isn't Reaching Milestones? 

It's okay to have questions and feel unsure. The truth is, many families are unsure of what is typical and what is not. That's where early support can help. 

Here are some signs that might mean it's time to check in: 

• Your child isn't making eye contact or responding to their name 
• They aren't babbling or using words by around 18 months 
• They walk on their toes a lot or seem unsteady 
• They don't play with toys in typical ways 
• They have trouble calming down or adjusting to changes 
• Your instincts tell you that something isn't quite right 

You don't need to have all the answers. Trusting your intuition is a good first step. 

How to Track Developmental Milestones at Home

It's completely normal not to know what developmental milestones look like. Or what your baby is communicating to you, and how your response can impact their mental health. Especially if you're a first-time parent or caregiver.  

Here are a few simple ways to keep track of your child's development: 

Use a checklist. Free tools like the CDC Milestone Tracker App can help you monitor key milestones by age. 

Take short videos. A 10-second clip of your child walking, talking, or playing can be helpful to look back on—or share with a professional. 

Keep a journal or notes on your phone. Write down what your child does and when. Patterns or changes over time can be easier to notice. 

Compare, but gently. Every child is different, but comparing to general guidelines—not to other children—can give you clarity. 

The goal is not to judge your child's progress but to have information that helps you understand them better. It can also be valuable if you end up working with a care provider or early intervention team. 

What You Can Do Next 

If you're concerned that your child isn't hitting age-appropriate milestones, here are some steps you can take: 

Write down what you're noticing: This helps when discussing your concerns with professionals. 

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider: They can refer you to developmental screening or support services. 

Reach out to a local program like Early Intervention Enhancement (EIE): These programs offer free or low-cost services for young children and their families, including developmental screenings, therapy sessions, and guidance on supporting your child's development at home. 

"Early intervention can significantly improve a child's development. The earlier the support starts, the better the outcome." — Dr. Nathan Blum, developmental pediatrician.

What If People Around You Don't Agree? 

Sometimes, the hardest part about seeking help is worrying about what other people might think or say.  

Maybe your partner thinks you're worrying too much. Perhaps a grandparent says, "He'll grow out of it." Or maybe friends tell you to just give it more time. 

These reactions usually come from a good place, but can make you second-guess yourself. 

Here's the truth: 

• You're not overreacting. You're being thoughtful and attentive. 
• Asking for help doesn't mean there's a problem. It means you're paying attention. 
• Getting support early is never harmful—it only adds options and information. 

You don't need permission to trust your instincts. If you feel something isn't quite right, it's okay to explore that, even if the people around you think and feel differently. 

Meet Emily and Jack 

When Emily raised her concerns with her family worker, they referred her to our Early Intervention Enhancement (EIE) program. At first, she was nervous. She didn't know what to expect. Would they judge her? Would they tell her she was wrong? 

Emily's fears melted instantly upon meeting her team. Rather than feeling judged, she finally felt validated by a team of professionals who listened to her concerns. 

They came to her home. They watched how Jack played. And they showed Emily simple ways to help him communicate during mealtimes, bath time, play, and more.

Over time, with the help of early support, Jack began using more words, and his meltdowns subsided. He replaced some of his big behaviours with other forms of communication, like pointing at things he wanted. He even started saying "mama" when he needed help.  

Emily cried the first time it happened. Not out of sadness but out of relief. It felt like the weight of uncertainty was finally lifting, and she could see how much Jack was growing into himself. 

This progress is for Jack and every child who receives early support. It's a testament to the effectiveness of early intervention. 

Although Emily and Jack are fictional characters in this blog, their story includes real experiences shared by families in our community. Names have been changed for privacy reasons.   

Why Early Support Matters

According to the Science of Early Childhood Development (SECD), the time from conception to the first three years of life is a period of rapid brain development. It's when an infant's brain develops the tools it needs to feel safe, build relationships, and handle life’s ups and downs. 

One of the most important things a child needs during this time is a strong emotional connection with their caregiver. When a baby cries and someone comes to comfort them, it sends a powerful message: you matter, and I’m here. Over time, these small, everyday moments help build trust, confidence, and a sense of security. 

That feeling of safety gives the brain what it needs to grow and learn. Secure children are more likely to explore, interact with others, and bounce back from challenges.  

When children don’t get that steady, loving response, it can be harder for them to feel calm and connected. They might become more anxious, withdrawn, or overwhelmed. And that can show up in behaviour, sleep, learning, and relationships. 

That’s why the EIE program places such a strong emphasis on early emotional development. We work with caregivers to strengthen their connection with their child because that relationship is the foundation for everything else. 

But your child doesn't need you to be perfect. They just need you to be present and responsive. 

Early support can help children by: 

• Strengthening brain development during the most critical years (ages 0–5) 
• Preventing minor delays from becoming bigger issues later 
• Assisting families to learn how to support their child at home 
• Reducing stress and confusion for caregivers 
• Connecting families with resources, specialists, and community programs 

You're Not Alone 

If your child isn't reaching milestones, it doesn't mean you did something wrong or that your child can't thrive. It simply means they might need a little support. 

At inclusion, our Early Intervention Enhancement (EIE) program supports families like yours. We work with young children who may need extra help in areas like: 

• Speech and language 
• Motor skills 
• Social-emotional development 
• Behaviour and self-regulation 

Who's on an Early Intervention Team? 

Early intervention isn't a one-size-fits-all service. It's a team effort. If you work with our EIE program, your team will include specialists from various disciplines, tailored to your child's specific needs.  

Here are some of the people who may be on your early intervention team: 

Infant Development Consultant 

Infant Development Consultants take a comprehensive view of your child's development. They support families through play-based learning, offer strategies to encourage growth across all areas and help track progress. 

Early Years Consultant 

This is the program supervisor for the Early Intervention Enhancement team. They are usually your first point of contact with the program. The Early Years Consultant conducts an initial assessment with your family to gain a deeper understanding of your needs and what your family wants and needs. They support you throughout the service and through discharge.  

They work from a strengths-based, family-centred perspective to provide parenting and self-advocacy support, group facilitation, service coordination, referrals, and short-term counselling while working with families to obtain the resources and support they need. The Early Years Consultant can provide other support as necessary and appropriate. 

Family Resource Worker 

Family Resource Workers help caregivers feel supported, informed, and empowered. They can assist with navigating systems, accessing funding, and connecting you with other community services. 

Infant Mental Health Clinician 

The Infant Mental Health Clinician provides clinical assessment, consultation, and intervention for the social, emotional and behavioural development of infants and young children within the context of their family relationships.  

They can provide service to you and your child together, and also to your child alone. They will learn about your child and explain how best to support their well-being. Although the Clinician is part of the Early Intervention team, they are employed and supervised by Child and Youth Mental Health. 

External Referrals You May Receive

Outside of the Early Intervention Enhancement team, you may receive referrals to the following specialists: 

Speech-Language Pathologist  

These professionals help children with speech, language, and communication challenges. They support everything from first words to more complex communication, as well as feeding and swallowing issues if needed. 

Occupational Therapist  

Occupational Therapists (OTs) help children develop fine motor skills, coordination, and the ability to manage everyday activities like getting dressed, using utensils, or calming themselves when upset. 

Physical Therapist  

Physical Therapists (PTs) focus on gross motor development, like crawling, walking, and balance. They work with children with low muscle tone, coordination difficulties, or movement delays. 

Is EIE Right for You? 

You don't need a diagnosis to access support. You don't even need to be sure there's a delay. If you're worried or curious, that's enough to start a conversation. 

You might benefit from EIE if: 

• You've noticed your child is behind in speech or movement 
• You've been told to "wait and see," but you're not comfortable with that 
• Your child is easily overwhelmed or frustrated 
• You want help to understand your child's behaviour 
• You just want someone to talk to who gets it 

Whether you're just starting to ask questions or have already received an assessment or referral, everyone is welcome. 

How to Access the EIE Program 

If you're ready to access our EIE program, here's how to get started: 

Talk to your family doctor or pediatrician. They can refer you to early childhood services and provide a general developmental screening. 

Speak with a family support worker or child development consultant. If you're already connected to services through inclusion powell river or another local provider, ask them about referring to the EIE program. 

Contact inclusion powell river directly. If you're not sure where to start, that's okay. You can contact our team, and we'll help guide you through the referral process. No diagnosis is needed. 

Referrals can come from healthcare providers, early childhood educators, or caregivers. Our team will guide you through the steps so you're never left guessing. 

Let's Take the Next Step Together 

You're still reading this article because you care. Maybe for your own child. Maybe for a grandchild, a niece or nephew, or a friend. Whatever brought you to this page, thank you for taking the time to learn. 

If something has been on your mind, now is a good time to explore your options. You don't have to wait. And you don't have to figure it out on your own. 

The Early Intervention Enhancement program will support you and your child every step of the way. 

✨Learn more about our EIE program

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

What age group does the EIE program support? 

EIE is designed for children from birth to school entry who may be experiencing or are at risk of developmental delays. 

Do I need a referral from a doctor? 

No. While referrals can come from doctors, they can also come from the following: 

• Your family doctor or a nurse practitioner 
• Public health nurse 
• Midwife 
• Childcare provider 
• Counsellor 
• Social Worker 
• Strong Start programs 

Note: You cannot self-refer to this program. We are here to answer questions, but you must receive a referral to access the service.  

Is there a cost for EIE services? 

No. EIE services are free for families. Our goal is to ensure that all children have access to early developmental support, regardless of their financial circumstances. 

What happens on the first visit? 

The first visit is usually a casual conversation and play-based observation. We'll get to know your child, listen to your concerns, and start building a plan that fits your family. 

What if my child "catches up" before services begin? 

That's okay! Early intervention doesn't hurt—it only helps. If your child's development improves quickly, your team will adjust support or wrap up services as needed. Either way, you've taken a positive step. 

Can I be involved in the sessions? 

Absolutely. We work in partnership with families. You're an essential part of your child's progress, and we'll show you simple ways to support your child at home between sessions. 

Still have questions? Contact our team—we're happy to chat and help you explore your options.