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3-Year Child Developmental Milestones

No two children develop, grow and learn in the same way or at the same pace. However, children do develop in certain predictable ways. Listed below are common developmental milestones for 3-year-olds.

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Watch this video to see milestones and stages of development for 3-year-olds and get ideas on how you can support a child’s healthy development.

moving icon Moving - Physical or Motor Development

  • Climbs and runs well.
  • Walks up and down stairs, with one foot on each step.
  • Jumps with both feet, and may hop on one foot.
  • Pedals tricycle or three-wheel bike.

talking icon Talking - Communication and Language Development

  • Uses three-word sentences and carries on a conversation.
  • Talks clearly enough to usually be understood by strangers.
  • Follows two- or three-part instructions.
  • Says words like “I,” “me,” “you,” and “we” and uses some plurals.
  • Understands words such as “in,” “on” and “under.”
  • Says first name, age and gender.
  • Asks “why,” “where,” “what,” “when” and “how” questions.
  • Names a friend.

interacting icon Interacting - Social and Emotional Development

  • Shows concern and affection for others without prompting.
  • Copies adults and friends (for example, runs when other children run).
  • Takes turns in games.
  • Separates easily from parents.
  • Shows a wide range of feelings.
  • Enjoys routines and may get upset with a major change.
  • Dresses and undresses self.
  • Enjoys helping with simple household tasks.
  • Verbalizes toilet needs and may be toilet trained during the day.

thinking icon Thinking - Cognitive Development

  • Does puzzles with three or four pieces.
  • Draws or copies a circle with crayon or pencil.
  • Plays make-believe with dolls, animals and people.
  • Uses imagination to create stories or play.
  • Matches and sorts objects by shape and color.
  • Works toys with buttons, levers and moving parts (for example, makes mechanical toys work).
  • Knows what “two” means.
  • Turns pages one at a time.
  • Knows common colors.
  • Screws and unscrews jar lids, and turns door handles.

Resources

Help Me Grow has a variety of resources that can help you support the healthy development of a 3-year-old. Learn more about Infant and Toddler Intervention and Preschool Special Education services and discover other resources available to you.

Encouraging Healthy Development for a 3-Year-Old

Ideas that can help you support the development of a 3-year-old.

Help Me Grow Articles

Articles that help you support the healthy development of a child.

Resources Directory

A directory of services provided for families of children with disabilities.

toddler boy peaking out from under blanket

If you have concerns about a child's development and think a child might need extra help to learn and grow, do not hesitate to refer a child.

The family will be contacted by the local school district to arrange for a screening or evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for Infant and Toddler Intervention or Preschool Special Education services in Minnesota.

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