Motor Skills

• Walking and Running: By their first birthday, most children start walking independently and pulling toys while walking. By 18 months, many can run, carry large or several toys, and kick a ball. They also begin climbing on and off furniture and navigating stairs with support.
• Fine Motor Skills: Scribbling with crayons, stacking blocks, and self-feeding are common, often using hands to eat traditional foods like porridge or soft fruits.

Language and Social Skills

• Speech Development: Children start using basic words and phrases, often in their native languages, by 12-18 months. They begin forming two- or four-word sentences by age 2, and can identify voices of familiar people, objects, and body parts.
• Cognitive and Play: Toddlers follow simple instructions, begin to differentiate objects by shape and color, and enjoy playing make-believe. They mimic adult behaviors and show early signs of independence.

Motor Skills

• Improved Mobility: By age 3, children can jump, ride a tricycle, and navigate uneven terrain. They often engage in physical activities that reflect their environment, such as balancing or climbing.
• Fine Motor Skills: Drawing lines and circles, dressing with assistance, and manipulating small objects, like tools or utensils, become more refined.

Language and Cognitive Development

• Short Sentences: Children begin speaking in short sentences, identifying colors and shapes, and following easy directions. In multilingual environments, they may switch between languages.
• Problem-Solving: They begin solving simple problems, like figuring out how to open doors or containers, and can sort items like fruits, sticks, or pebbles.

Social and Emotional Development

• Parallel Play: Children engage in parallel play, interacting alongside but not directly with peers. Sharing toys and participating in group activities, like local games or singing, become more common.
• Emotional Growth: Toddlers start recognizing their emotions and those of others, developing empathy towards peers and caregivers.

Motor Skills

• Physical Dexterity: By age 4, children can hop on one foot, button clothes, and use utensils independently. They enjoy active play, such as chasing, jumping, or dancing.
• Fine Motor Control: Their drawing becomes more detailed, often reflecting cultural symbols or local crafts they see in their environment.

Language and Cognitive Development

• Complex Speech: Children engage in more complex conversations, tell simple stories, and begin to express their needs and wants clearly. They can understand basic concepts like time, size, and ownership.
• Counting and Sorting: Pre-math skills develop, and children may begin counting household items, livestock, or natural objects in their environment.

Social and Emotional Development

• Cooperative Play: Children start playing cooperatively, often taking on roles seen in adult life, such as farming or caregiving. Pretend play becomes more structured, and they develop stronger bonds with peers.
• Independence: They show greater independence, dressing themselves and assisting with small household chores, like feeding animals or helping siblings.

Motor Skills

• Coordination: At age 5, children can skip, tie their shoelaces, and dress themselves without assistance. They are physically active and capable of balancing while carrying objects, often mimicking adults in their daily tasks.
• Fine Motor Skills: Drawing becomes more refined, and they may be able to write their name or copy letters and numbers. They develop better hand-eye coordination, especially in tasks like weaving or beadwork.

Language and Cognitive Development

• Fluent Communication: Children speak fluently in full sentences, ask "why" questions, and follow multi-step instructions. In environments with multiple languages, they often show flexibility in switching between languages.
• Basic Literacy and Numeracy: They can count to 10, identify letters and numbers, and understand basic storytelling. Storytelling plays a key role in cognitive growth, teaching children about cultural values, history, and morals.

Social and Emotional Development

• Making Friends: Social interactions with peers deepen, and children form friendships through play and school. They begin to understand right from wrong and learn to follow rules.
• Increased Responsibility: Many children take on small responsibilities, such as helping with chores or caring for younger siblings, fostering independence and a sense of duty.

1. Nutrition and Health
2. • Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and if possible until the child is 2 years old.
   • Eating a balanced diet from a variety of local available staple food, fruit and vegetables.
   • Immunization against preventable diseases and treatment of malaria.
   • Access to prenatal care, clean water, and proper hygiene to promote healthy development.
3. Stimulation and Learning
   • Safe spaces for play and exploration encourage motor skills and cognitive growth.
   • Interaction with caregivers, storytelling, singing, and age-appropriate games help stimulate early language and learning.
   • Facilities and community support programs for early childhood development are critical.
4. Cultural and Environmental Influence
   • Parenting practices that include warmth, affection, and structured routines promote emotional security.
   • Opportunities for curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving are vital for cognitive growth.
   • Informal Play and Learning: Most of the early development is influenced by informal learning and play, often using natural resources available in the environment. For instance, children may play with sticks, stones, or small animals.
   • Role of Storytelling: Storytelling is an essential cultural practice, and children learn through oral traditions. Stories teach them moral values, social roles, and history, playing a key role in their cognitive and emotional development.
   • Multilingual households foster diverse language skills, often with children becoming fluent in more than one language at an early age.
5. Community Support
   • Communal Child-Rearing: In many Sub-Saharan African communities, children are raised collectively by extended family members and the community. This creates a strong sense of security and social development in children.
   • Addressing poverty and providing educational resources for parents enhances children’s development.
   • Community programs can raise awareness about developmental milestones, support maternal mental health, and provide early interventions when needed.