Early Recognition for Riverside, La Sierra, and Corona Families

As a parent in

Riverside

,

La Sierra

, or

Corona

, you want the best for your

child’s development

. While every child grows at their own pace, there are certain developmental milestones that most children reach by specific ages. Understanding these milestones and recognizing potential delays early can make a significant difference in your child’s future success.

Sierra Preschool & After School, serving families throughout Riverside, La Sierra, and Corona, is committed to supporting every child’s individual developmental journey. Our experienced educators work closely with families to ensure children receive the support they need to thrive.

What Are Developmental Delays?

Developmental delays occur when children don’t reach developmental milestones within the expected time frame. These delays can affect various areas of development, including:

• Cognitive development: Thinking, learning, and problem-solving
• Physical development: Gross motor (running, jumping) and fine motor (writing, cutting) skills
• Social-emotional development: Interacting with others and managing emotions
• Language and communication: Speaking, understanding, and using language
• Adaptive development: Self-help skills like eating, dressing, and hygiene

Key Signs of Developmental Delays by Age

By 12 Months

Potential concerns if your child:

• Doesn’t crawl or try to pull themselves up
• Doesn’t babble or make sounds
• Shows no interest in interactive games like peek-a-boo
• Doesn’t respond to their name consistently
• Has lost skills they once had

By 18 Months

Potential concerns if your child:

• Can’t walk steadily or fall frequently
• Doesn’t say at least 10-15 words
• Doesn’t point to show interest in things
• Doesn’t follow simple instructions
• Has difficulty with hand-eye coordination

By 2 Years

Potential concerns if your child:

• Can’t run or climb stairs easily
• Doesn’t use 2-word phrases
• Doesn’t imitate actions or words
• Shows little interest in playing with others
• Has trouble with simple puzzles or building blocks

By 3 Years

Potential concerns if your child:

• Has difficulty climbing, running, or pedaling a tricycle
• Doesn’t speak in complete sentences
• Doesn’t engage in imaginative play
• Has trouble with stairs or falls often
• Shows extreme difficulty separating from parents

By 4 Years

Potential concerns if your child:

• Has trouble with throwing, catching, or kicking balls
• Doesn’t understand simple instructions
• Doesn’t speak clearly enough for strangers to understand
• Shows little interest in playing with other children
• Has difficulty with basic self-care tasks

By 5 Years

Potential concerns if your child:

• Has trouble with jumping, hopping, or standing on one foot
• Doesn’t use complex sentences
• Can’t retell a simple story
• Shows little interest in learning numbers or letters
• Has difficulty making friends or playing cooperatively

The Importance of Early Recognition

Recognizing developmental delays early is crucial because:

Brain Plasticity: Young children’s brains are more adaptable, making early intervention more effective.

Academic Success: Addressing delays early can prevent future learning difficulties.

Social Development: Early support helps children develop better peer relationships and social skills.

Family Support: Parents can learn strategies to support their child’s development at home.

Intervention Opportunities: Early services are often more comprehensive and effective than later interventions.

How Sierra Preschool Supports Child Development

At Sierra Preschool & After School, we understand that every child develops differently. Our holistic approach to education creates an environment where all children can thrive, regardless of their individual developmental pace.

Our Montessori-Inspired Philosophy

As a “Premier Preschool-Montessori,” we incorporate Montessori in Riverside principles that naturally support diverse developmental needs:

• Individualized learning that adapts to each child’s pace and style
• Hands-on activities that engage multiple senses and learning styles
• Mixed-age groupings where children learn from and support each other
• Child-led exploration that builds confidence and independence
• Specialized materials designed to develop specific skills progressively

Comprehensive Support for All Learners

Our Riverside preschool programs are designed with every child’s success in mind:

Small Class Sizes: Ensure personalized attention and support for each child’s individual needs.

Experienced Staff: Our highly qualified educators are trained to recognize and support various developmental needs.

Holistic Curriculum: We focus on both academic and character development, addressing all aspects of growth.

Dual Language Immersion: Our Spanish/English program provides additional cognitive stimulation and cultural awareness.

STEAM Integration: Hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities support cognitive development.

Red Flags That Require Immediate Attention

While children develop at different rates, certain signs warrant immediate professional evaluation:

Regression: Loss of previously acquired skills in any developmental area.

Extreme Behaviors: Persistent tantrums lasting more than 30 minutes or aggressive behaviors that seem disproportionate to age.

Lack of Eye Contact: Consistent avoidance of eye contact or engagement with others.

Extreme Difficulties: Significant struggles with basic self-care, communication, or social interaction that aren’t improving over time.

Multiple Concerns: Delays across several developmental areas simultaneously.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child:

• Shows persistent delays in multiple developmental areas
• Demonstrates regression in skills they’ve already learned
• Has difficulties that aren’t improving despite support at home and school

• Shows extreme frustration or behavioral challenges related to developmental delays

Local Resources for Riverside, La Sierra, and Corona Families

Regional Center of the Inland Empire

Provides early intervention services for children from birth to age 3 with developmental delays, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental support.

Riverside County Office of Education

Offers resources, screenings, and support services for families with children who have special needs or developmental concerns.

Public School Districts

Riverside, Corona-Norco, and La Sierra area school districts provide evaluations and services for children age 3 and older through their special education programs.

Private Evaluations

Many licensed psychologists, speech therapists, and developmental pediatricians in the area offer comprehensive evaluations and ongoing support services.

Creating a Supportive Environment at Home

In addition to professional services, you can support your child’s development by:

Providing Rich Language Experiences: Read together daily, sing songs, and engage in conversation.

Encouraging Physical Activity: Support gross motor development through play and movement.

Practicing Fine Motor Skills: Offer age-appropriate manipulatives, art materials, and building toys.

Establishing Routines: Consistent daily routines help children feel secure and support emotional development.

Celebrating Progress: Focus on your child’s achievements, no matter how small.

The Sierra Preschool Difference

At Sierra Preschool & After School, we’re committed to the belief that “every child can succeed.” Our programs, designed specifically for families in Riverside, La Sierra, and Corona, provide:

• Comprehensive Services: From toddler programs through school-age care
• Experienced Educators: Staff trained in child development and individualized support
• Free Enrichment Programs: Music, dance, sports, and art that engage different learning styles
• Nutritious Meals: Hot breakfast, lunch, and snack cooked onsite to support physical development
• Outdoor Learning Spaces: Dedicated areas for exploration, science, and physical activity
• Family Partnership: Regular communication and collaboration with parents

Taking Action for Your Child’s Future

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. Trust your instincts, track your child’s development, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. Early recognition and intervention can make a profound difference in your

child’s development

and future success.

Located at 11077 Whitford Avenue in Riverside, Sierra Preschool & After School serves families throughout Riverside, La Sierra, and Corona with programs designed to support every child’s individual growth. Our preschool Riverside programs, combined with our Montessori Riverside approach, create the ideal foundation for your child’s comprehensive development.

Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Contact Sierra Preschool today to learn more about how we can support your child’s unique developmental journey and ensure they’re prepared for a lifetime of success.