Understanding 3-Year-Old Developmental Milestones: What Parents Should Expect – Gross & Fine Motor Skills

Posted on July 25, 2024 by Chuck Cohn

3-yr-old-developmental-milestones

As parents, watching your child grow and develop is one of life’s greatest joys. At Angels Care & Learning Center, we understand the importance of nurturing each child’s unique developmental journey, especially during the crucial early years.  

In this blog, we’ll focus on 3-year-old developmental milestones and how our learning center can support your child through these pivotal stages. 

Gross Motor Skills 

At 3 years old, children are typically bursting with energy and curiosity. Gross motor skills involve the large muscles used for movement. You may notice your child becoming more adept at jumping, skipping, and climbing. These activities are not just fun but essential for developing coordination and strength.  

How we encourage gross motor skills? 

Our play areas at Angels Care are designed to encourage these skills, providing safe, engaging environments for your child to explore and grow. Our outdoor spaces are perfect for running, hopping, and playing games that keep children moving and engaged. 

Additionally, our indoor play areas feature soft mats and interactive toys that inspire imaginative and physical play, ensuring that children have ample opportunities to develop their gross motor skills regardless of the weather. 

Gross motor skills students learn at Angels Care: 

  • Jumping
  • Skipping 
  • Dancing 
  • Running 
  • And more! 

Fine Motor Skills 

Fine motor skills are equally important and involve using smaller muscles, especially in the hands and fingers. By this age, children start demonstrating more control in tasks like drawing letters, using scissors, and manipulating small objects.  

How do we encourage fine motor skills? 

Angels Care offers a variety of activities that help children practice these skills, from art projects to building blocks, ensuring they gain the dexterity needed for future academic success. Our classrooms are equipped with materials that promote fine motor development, such as puzzles, playdough for molding, and markers/paint. We also incorporate sensory play, encouraging children to explore different textures and shapes, enhancing their fine motor abilities. 

Fine motor skills students learn at Angels Care: 

  • Turning the pages of a book 
  • Building blocks 
  • Coloring 
  • And more! 

Our Partnership with Austin ISD 

We are proud to announce that our Pre-K 3 classes are part of a partnership between Angels Care & Learning Center and Austin Independent School District (AISD) to prepare students for kindergarten.  Our staff undergo extensive training and use the latest, most advanced Pre-K curriculum.  

As one of the few AISD pre-k programs offering full-day care, we are committed to providing your child with the highest-quality education and care. 

Monitoring Development 

Our teachers are trained to monitor each child’s progress and provide personalized care because we recognize that every child develops at their own pace. We pay close attention to signs of delayed development and ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive. 

Understanding 3-year-old developmental milestones is essential for parents who want to support and promote their child’s growth and future education. We are dedicated to helping your child reach these milestones through structured activities, bilingual learning, personalized care, and a nurturing environment. Together, we can help your child build a strong foundation for future success. 

Give your child the gift of a jumpstart on their education in a fun, caring environment.  


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