If you notice that your child is falling behind in their development, it is important to take this seriously, but not to panic immediately. Every child develops at their own pace, but some signs deserve extra attention and targeted support. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about developmental delays in young children, from the first signs to what you can look for at home and through the preschool care can do.
When is a developmental delay a real concern?
A developmental delay is a genuine concern when a child consistently and significantly lags behind what is typical for his or her age in multiple areas, and when this pattern persists despite a stimulating environment. An occasional delay in one area is often temporary and normal.
Children do not all develop at the same pace. One child walks earlier than another, and another is already speaking in sentences while a peer is still working on individual words. This is normal and part of the wide variation in child development. Nevertheless, there are situations where it is wise to look further.
Refer to a point of concern when:
- A child lags behind in multiple developmental areas simultaneously, such as language and motor skills
- Failing to catch up despite extra encouragement and time
- The child loses skills that it previously had
- Other children in the environment show a similar delay that stands out in this child
It is therefore not about comparing to the fastest child in the group, but about recognizing patterns that fall outside normal variation. Early detection makes a big difference, because the brains of young children are still developing and respond well to targeted support.
What are the early signs that a child needs extra support?
Early signs that a child needs extra support include: making little eye contact, limited language development for their age, difficulty with fine or gross motor skills, social withdrawal, or significant difficulty with transitions and new situations. The sooner these signs are recognized, the more effective the support.
There are general milestones to look out for within each age phase. Around the age of two, you expect a child to start speaking in single words or short sentences, make eye contact, understand what you say, and begin playing with other children. Around the age of three and four, language development increases rapidly, the child learns to recognize colors and shapes, and the ability to play together grows.
Signals that deserve attention are:
- Hardly any or no spoken language at an age when it is expected.
- Difficulty understanding simple commands
- Little interest in contact with other children or adults
- Motor clumsiness that is noticeable during daily activities such as drawing or climbing
Also trust your intuition as a parent. You know your child best. If something isn't right, it is always good to discuss it with a professional, even if you can't yet pinpoint exactly what it is.
Who can you turn to if you have concerns about your child's development?
If you have concerns about your child's development, you can contact the child health clinic, your GP, the pedagogical staff at the childcare center, or a youth doctor. They can assess the development, refer you to a specialist, and create a plan with you for further support.
The child health clinic is the first step for many parents. There, your child's development is monitored from an early age, and the youth care nurse or pediatrician can quickly assess whether there is reason for further investigation. Do not hesitate to contact them in between, even outside the scheduled times.
Besides the child health clinic, there are other routes:
The general practitioner as a referrer
Your GP can refer you to a pediatrician, speech therapist, physiotherapist, or psychologist, depending on the developmental area you are concerned about. A referral opens the door to specialized diagnostics and support.
Childcare as the first observer
Childcare workers see your child daily in a group setting and are often the first to notice when something deviates. A good childcare center proactively shares these observations with parents and can help map out what is going on before a formal diagnosis is made.
In Amsterdam, there are also accessible service points such as the Parent and Child Team, where you can go without a referral with questions about your child's upbringing and development.
How can childcare contribute to the development of a child with a delay?
Childcare can play an important role in supporting a child with a developmental delay by providing structure, social interaction, targeted activities, and early educational programs. A good childcare environment stimulates language, motor skills, and social-emotional skills in a playful, safe manner.
Children learn a tremendous amount from other children. In a group setting at childcare, they come into contact with language, cooperation, waiting their turn, and dealing with frustration. These are precisely the skills that require extra attention in the case of a developmental delay.
Preschool care plays a special role in this. Through preschool education, also known as VVE, children from the age of 2.5 can receive targeted support in the areas of language, arithmetic, motor skills, and social-emotional development. This aligns seamlessly with what they will need later in primary school.
Moreover, good childcare works closely with the local primary schools. This creates a continuous learning pathway: what a child learns in preschool is built upon at school. This is particularly valuable for children who need extra time or guidance to make a good start in Group 1.
What can parents do at home to stimulate development?
Parents can stimulate their child's development at home by talking, reading aloud, playing together, and providing structure daily. Small, consistent moments of attention and interaction have more impact than occasional intensive sessions.
Language is one of the most powerful tools parents have at their disposal. Name what you are doing, ask open-ended questions, read aloud every day, and respond to what your child says or tries to say. Even if a child does not speak yet, you are building the language comprehension that will be needed later.
When it comes to motor development: playing outdoors, climbing, building, cutting, and pasting are all valuable activities. You don't need to buy expensive toys. Blocks, clay, scissors, and paper already offer a world of possibilities for fine motor skills.
Structure and predictability also help children enormously, especially if they struggle with transitions. A fixed daily routine, clear expectations, and calm transition moments provide a child with stability and reduce stress. That creates space to learn.
Also, don't forget the power of simply being present. Quality time doesn't have to be complicated. A child who feels seen and heard has a solid foundation to grow from, even if that takes a little more time than with another child.
How KleintjeZuid helps with your child's development
Bee childcare in Amsterdam South For us, it is about more than just childcare. We guide each child in a way that aligns with their individual nature and pace. Children who need extra support find a safe, warm environment with us where they can grow step by step.
Specifically, we offer:
- The educational program Startblokken, focused on language, arithmetic, motor skills and social-emotional development
- Preschool care for children from 2.5 years old with a playful preparation for primary school.
- Close contact with local primary schools for a continuous learning pathway
- Pedagogical professionals who proactively communicate with parents about their child's development
Curious how KleintjeZuid can guide your child's development? Read more about our pedagogical approach or contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
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