Welcome to the Early Learning GPS Toddler Quiz!

Answer the following questions to get information about your toddler’s brain, development and learning. There are no wrong answers! Response or information is not stored, so chose the response that best fits your situation.

When you complete the quiz, you can access resources to help you as a parent or caregiver to your toddler.

1. How much of your toddler's brain will be developed by age of five?

When a baby is first born, his brain is already about 25% the size it will be when he grows up.

By age five, 90% of your toddlers brain and brain connections are developed! Thousands of connections that build language, math and social skills for life.

Why does this matter? Because the connections made in your toddler’s brain before age five set the foundation for all his learning as he grows up and become an adult. After age five, new brain connections are harder to make.

You can support your toddler’s healthy brain development by:
• Providing healthy foods
• Building a strong bond with your child
• Talking and reading to your child from birth
• Choosing a person or program that can care for your child as you would and help your child learn and grow.

When a child is born, their brain is only 25% developed, but it’s still growing! By the time a child is five years old, 90% of their brain is developed. 

Why does this matter? Because the connections made in your toddler’s brain before age five set the foundation for all his learning as he grows up and become an adult. After age five, new brain connections are harder to make.

You can support your toddler’s healthy brain development by:
• Providing healthy foods
• Building a strong bond with your child
• Talking and reading to your child from birth
• Choosing a person or program that can care for your child as you would and help your child learn and grow.

Actually 90% of a child’s brain develops by age 5.

Why does this matter? Because the connections made in your toddler’s brain before age five set the foundation for all his learning as he grows up and become an adult. After age five, new brain connections are harder to make.

You can support your toddler’s healthy brain development by:
• Providing healthy foods
• Building a strong bond with your child
• Talking and reading to your child from birth
• Choosing a person or program that can care for your child as you would and help your child learn and grow.

You’re right! By the time a child is five years old, 90% of their brain is developed. 

Why does this matter? Because the connections made in your toddler’s brain before age five set the foundation for all his learning as he grows up and become an adult. After age five, new brain connections are harder to make.

You can support your toddler’s healthy brain development by:
• Providing healthy foods
• Building a strong bond with your child
• Talking and reading to your child from birth
• Choosing a person or program that can care for your child as you would and help your child learn and grow.

2. Babies begin to learn when...

Actually, babies begin learning as soon as they’re born!

Most children begin to respond or react to what you say between 9-18 months of age.
 
In order for babies to be able to respond to you, their brains begin learning and building those connections before they are even born! Even in the womb, babies will turn to the melody of their mom’s voice, helping their brains build the circuits to understand language.
Even newborns are taking in everything around them and those experiences are affecting how their brains develop.
 
Holding your toddler talking, reading and playing with her from birth will help your child build those important brain connections long before your toddler can speak.

Actually, babies begin to learn before they are born!

Soon after birth, most babies can raise their heads for brief periods when lying on their stomachs. In order to be able to do this, their brains started learning and building connection in the womb!
 
Babies brains work on building all skills at the same time – social skills help develop physical skills which help develop thinking skills. So for your baby to hold up her head, she needs to be developing all those other skills too.
 
Even newborns take in everything around them and those experiences affect how their brains develop.
 
You can help your toddler build those important brain connections by holding, talking, reading and playing with her.

Most babies begin babbling at 3-6 months. In order for your baby to babble, your baby started learning and building brain connections in the womb!

Even newborns are taking in everything around them and those experiences affect how their brains develop.

Holding your toddler, talking, reading and playing with her is helping your child build those important brain connections.

You’re right!

Babies’ brains are learning and building important brain connections in the womb. This is a great fact to share with your friends and family who are expecting or have young children as well.

Even newborns are taking in everything around them and those experiences are affecting how their brains develop.

You can help your toddler build those important brain connections by holding, talking, reading and playing with her.

3. When your child turns three years old, you would expect them to:

Typically, a toddler is using mostly simple “where” and “what” questions between 18-24 months. If a child is still only using these words in questions by 3 years old, there may be a delay in the child’s development. If a child has no meaningful two-word phrases by 24 months, or has loss of speech at any age, they may be at risk for an autism spectrum disorder.

By three years old, a child typically has started asking “why” questions like “why is the sky blue?”

We say typical because all children follow the same path (called milestones), but each develops at their own pace.

Check out the typical milestones for your child’ age in the Developmental Milestones Checklist. There are milestones every 6 months for toddlers.

Share these milestones with your child’s doctor, teacher and others in your child’s life. If you feel your child is not meeting some milestones, talk together about what to do next.

You may also call the CONNECT helpline for information on local supports and resources at 1-800-692-7288.

By three years old, a child typically has started asking “why” questions like “why is the sky blue?”

We say typical because all children follow the same path (called milestones), but each develops at their own pace.

Check out the typical milestones for your child’ age in the Developmental Milestones Checklist. There are milestones every 6 months for toddlers.

Share these milestones with your child’s doctor, teacher and others in your child’s life. If you feel your child is not meeting some milestones, talk together about what to do next.

You may also call the CONNECT helpline for information on local supports and resources at 1-800-692-7288.

Typically, a child can tell real or make-believe stories by the time they are 4 years old, so this would be a bit advanced for a 3 year old.

We say typical because all children follow the same path (called milestones), but each develops at their own pace.

Check out the typical milestones for your child’ age in the Developmental Milestones Checklist. There are milestones every six months for toddlers.

Share these milestones with your child’s doctor, teacher and others in your child’s life. If you feel your child is not meeting some milestones, talk together about what to do next.

You may also call the CONNECT helpline for information on local supports and resources at 1-800-692-7288.

Young children develop so quickly, it can be confusing. There are milestones to help you see what toddlers typically can do every six months before they are 3 years old.

We say typical because all children follow the same path (called milestones), but each develops at their own pace.

Check out the typical milestones for your child’ age in the Developmental Milestones Checklist. There are milestones every 6 months for toddlers.

Share these milestones with your child’s doctor, teacher and others in your child’s life. If you feel your child is not meeting some milestones, talk together about what to do next.

You may also call the CONNECT helpline for information on local supports and resources at 1-800-692-7288.

4. You notice that your friend's child, who is two years old (same age as your child), can use two words together ("more juice"), but your child cannot. What do you do?

A two-year old can typically use two words together, but it’s okay if your child can’t do it. All children develop at their own pace. No two children are at the exact same stage in their development. A child may sprint ahead on one skill, but be behind on another skill. What really matters is how you help your child develop to the best of her abilities.

Take a look at the milestones checklist. Your toddler meets a milestone if they can do two or more things in the category. Share these milestones with your toddler’s doctor, teacher, and others close to your baby. Do they feel your toddler is meeting these milestones? If not, talk about what you can do next to support your toddler. You may also call the CONNECT helpline at 1-800-692-7288 for resources like developmental screening and early intervention services.

Children earn by doing, so playing games and practicing with them will help them build those skills. Check out the Learning is Everywhere page on the PA’s Promise for Children website. Each month has activities you can do with your child. Each activity is based on Pennsylvania’s early learning standards. So while you are having fun, you are also helping your child grow!

Helping your child reach their abilities is the way to go! A two-year old can typically use two words together, but it’s okay if your child can’t do it. All children develop at their own pace. No two children are at the exact same stage in their development. Also, a child may sprint ahead on one skill, but be behind on another skill.

Take a look at the milestones checklist. Your toddler meets a milestone if she can do two or more things in the category. Share these milestones with your toddler’s doctor, teacher, and others close to your child. Do they feel your toddler is meeting these milestones? If not, talk about what you can do next to support your toddler. You may also call the CONNECT helpline at 1-800-692-7288 for resources like developmental screening and early intervention services.

Children earn by doing, so playing games and practicing with them will help them build those skills. Check out the Learning is Everywhere page on the PA’s Promise for Children website. Each month has activities you can do with your child. Each activity is based on Pennsylvania’s early learning standards. So while you are having fun, you are also helping your baby grow!

Children learn by doing, so talking with your child will help her build language. Encourage your toddler to use words like “where?” instead of pointing. When your child is trying to describe something, say words that can help. You also want to get a full picture of how your child is meeting other milestones.

A two-year old can typically use two words together, but it’s okay if your child can’t do it. All children develop at their own pace. No two children are at the exact same stage in their development. A child may sprint ahead on one skill, but be behind on another skill. What really matters is how you help your child develop to the best of her abilities.

Take a look at the milestones checklist. Your toddler meets a milestone if they can do two or more things in the category. Share these milestones with your toddler’s doctor, teacher, and others close to your child. Do they feel your toddler is meeting these milestones? If not, talk about what you can do next to support your toddler. You may also call the CONNECT helpline at 1-800-692-7288 for resources like developmental screening and early intervention services.

Children earn by doing, so playing games and practicing with them will help them build those skills. Check out the Learning is Everywhere page on the PA’s Promise for Children website. Each month has activities you can do with your child. Each activity is based on Pennsylvania’s early learning standards. So while you are having fun, you are also helping your child grow!

Take a look at the milestones checklist. Your toddler meets a milestone if she can do two or more things in the category. Share these milestones with your toddler’s doctor, teacher, and others close to your baby. Do they feel your toddler is meeting these milestones? If not, talk about what you can do next to support your toddler. You may also call the CONNECT helpline at 1-800-692-7288 for resources like developmental screening and early intervention services.

Your pediatrician is a great person to talk to about your child’s development and meeting milestones. But it’s okay if your child can’t use two words together at two years old even though it’s a typical milestone. All children develop at their own pace. No two children are at the exact same stage in their development. A child may sprint ahead on one skill, but be behind on another skill. What really matters is how you help your child develop to the best of their abilities.

Take a look at the milestones checklist. Your toddler meets a milestone if she can do two or more things in the category. Share these milestones with your toddler’s doctor, teacher, and others close to your child. Do they feel your toddler is meeting these milestones? If not, talk about what you can do next to support your toddler. You may also call the CONNECT helpline at 1-800-692-7288 for resources like developmental screening and early intervention services.

Children earn by doing, so playing games and practicing with them will help them build those skills. Check out the Learning is Everywhere page on the PA’s Promise for Children website. Each month has activities you can do with your child. Each activity is based on Pennsylvania’s early learning standards. So while you are having fun, you are also helping your baby grow!

5. When your child starts to throw a tantrum, you usually:

When you try to figure out what your child is trying to tell you and address it, you teach your child they matter and can trust you to take care of them. Your love for your child and the bond you build together is as important to your child’s development as food or sleep.

Toddlers understand more than they can say. Sometimes, a tantrum is the frustration of not being heard.

Don’t worry about being a perfect parent –because it doesn’t exist! The reality is that tantrums are part of a young child’s development. Do your best and realize that you may not always know what your child wants.

If you can figure out why a child is upset early enough, you may be able stop the tantrum from starting.

  • If your child is hungry or tired, they may throw a tantrum if stressed.
  • Read your child’s actions. If your child is banging their cup, do they want a drink? Ask yes or no questions to find out.
  • If your child has trouble switching activities, give them a reminder like, “When the bell goes off, we are going to Grandma’s” to help them be less stressed.
  • Once your child is in a full-blown tantrum, it’s best to make sure they are safe, remain calm, and ride it out.

To help build a strong bond with your child:

  • Understand your child’s personality or temperament. Is your child easygoing, feisty, or slow to warm to new things? If you understand why your child reacts differently to things than you do, you can find a common ground.
  • Pay attention to what your child is saying and doing and be consistent when you respond to your child’s needs. When they are excited, show you are excited too! Show you are pleased when they show good behavior.
  • Have fun together! Play games, read a book, or take a walk.

If your child is in the full throws of a tantrum, making sure he is safe while you ride it out is the best option. Toddlers understand more than they can say. Sometimes, a tantrum is the frustration of not being heard.

When you try to figure out what your child is trying to tell you and address it, you teach your child they matter and can trust you to take care of them. Your love for your child and the bond you build together is as important to your child’s development as food or sleep.

Don’t worry about being a perfect parent –because it doesn’t exist! The reality is that tantrums are part of a young child’s development. Do your best and realize that you may not always know what your child wants.

If you can figure out why a child is upset early enough, you may be able stop the tantrum from starting.

  • If your child is hungry or tired, they may throw a tantrum if stressed.
  • Read your child’s actions. If your child is banging their cup, do they want a drink? Ask yes or no questions to find out.
  • If your child has trouble switching activities, give them a reminder like, “When the bell goes off, we are going to Grandma’s” to help them be less stressed.
  • Once your child is in a full-blown tantrum, it’s best to make sure they are safe, remain calm, and ride it out.

To help build a strong bond with your child:

  • Understand your child’s personality or temperament. Is your child easygoing, feisty, or slow to warm to new things? If you understand why your child reacts differently to things than you do, you can find a common ground.
  • Pay attention to what your child is saying and doing and be consistent when you respond to your child’s needs. When they are excited, show you are excited too! Show you are pleased when they show good behavior.
  • Have fun together! Play games, read a book, or take a walk.

Responding to your child, even if it’s not working, teaches your child they matter and can trust you to take care of them. Your love for your child and the bond you build together is as important to your child’s development as food or sleep.

Don’t worry about being a perfect parent –because it doesn’t exist! The reality is that tantrums are part of a young child’s development. Do your best and realize you may not always know what your child wants.

If you can figure out why a child is upset early enough, you may be able stop the tantrum from starting.

  • If your child is hungry or tired, they may throw a tantrum if stressed.
  • Read your child’s actions. If your child is banging their cup, do they want a drink? Ask yes or no questions to find out.
  • If your child has trouble switching activities, give them a reminder like, “When the bell goes off, we are going to Grandma’s” to help them be less stressed.
  • Once your child is in a full-blown tantrum, it’s best to make sure they are safe, remain calm, and ride it out.

To help build a strong bond with your child:

  • Understand your child’s personality or temperament. Is your child easygoing, feisty, or slow to warm to new things? If you understand why your child reacts differently to things than you do, you can find a common ground.
  • Pay attention to what your child is saying and doing and be consistent when you respond to your child’s needs. When they are excited, show you are excited too! Show you are pleased when they show good behavior.
  • Have fun together! Play games, read a book, or take a walk.

Don’t worry about being a perfect parent –because it doesn’t exist! The reality is that tantrums are part of a young child’s development. Do your best and realize that you may not always know what your child wants.

If you can figure out why a child is upset early enough, you may be able stop the tantrum from starting.

  • If your child is hungry or tired, they may throw a tantrum if stressed.
  • Read your child’s actions. If your child is banging their cup, do they want a drink? Ask yes or no questions to find out.
  • If your child has trouble switching activities, give  a reminder like, “When the bell goes off, we are going to Grandma’s” to help them be less stressed.
  • Once your child is in a full-blown tantrum, it’s best to make sure they are safe, remain calm, and ride it out.

To help build a strong bond with your child:

  • Understand your child’s personality or temperament. Is your child easygoing, feisty, or slow to warm to new things? If you understand why your child reacts differently to things than you do, you can find a common ground.
  • Pay attention to what your child is saying and doing and be consistent when you respond to your child’s needs. When they are excited, show you are excited too! Show you are pleased when they show good behavior.
  • Have fun together! Play games, read a book, or take a walk.

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