Small Steps Developmental Center

04/15/2026

Impulse control isn’t something children just “have” — it’s something they build, slowly, with support.

When we shift from expecting instant self-control to teaching it step by step, we give children the skills they actually need to succeed.

Which step feels most important for your child right now?

To SAVE, click on the image, tap the three dots, and choose Save.

04/15/2026

Trying out our magnetic pictures.😊
**update** After my son woke up from his nap he came over and grabbed my hand and lead me to the fridge. I hadn't shown him the pictures yet but he discovered them on his own. He pointed to the bowl of cereal, I asked him if he wanted cereal, he smiled and jumped up and down. Oh this boy melts my heart! 🥰 lalso made pictures with
activities of fun things we like to do. These were pictures I took on my phone and had printed at Walgreens. Then slid them in magnetic picture frames I purchased on Amazon.😊

04/02/2026

02/18/2026

Did you know play develops in stages?
From solo exploration to full-on group games, kids learn so much through play and every stage matters!

Here’s a quick breakdown:

👶 Unoccupied Play (Birth–3 mo): Random movements, exploring the world
👧 Solitary Play (0–2 yrs): Playing alone, focusing on their own activity
👀 Onlooker Play (2+ yrs): Watching others play, learning through observation
🧱 Parallel Play (2–3 yrs): Playing side-by-side, but not yet interacting
🤝 Associative Play (3–4 yrs): Sharing toys, beginning to interact
🎯 Cooperative Play (4+ yrs): Working together toward a shared goal

These stages aren’t steps to “rush through”, they’re building blocks for social skills, emotional growth, and cognitive development.

Play by age and stage: https://www.theottoolbox.com/play-by-age/

01/20/2026

Does your child struggle with sensory processing input? 🧠

Here are 10 ways to help. It's important to note that each child is different, and you will need to find solutions that are just right for them. These suggestions are meant to get you started in figuring out what could be beneficial for your child's specific needs.

Read more here: https://sensoryprocessingexplained.com/10-ways-to-help-a-sensory-sensitive-child/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

12/18/2025

Yesterday we celebrated Christmas with our center-based kiddos! Fun was had by all! 🎄

11/26/2025

https://www.instagram.com/p/DRhhDXwjVmf/?igsh=MXIyZ290Ync0eHNwMQ==

11/25/2025

Mrs Denise's friends made turkeys this week. They used fine motor skills, sorting and naming colors, counting, and using words and signs to make requests. I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving.
*shared with permission