Guiding Growth: Understanding Typical SensoriMotor Development from Birth to 5 and Empowering Families Through Parent CoachingEmpty heading

Hosted by Progressive Pediatric Therapy

Every pediatrician hears it —

“She still walks on her toes.”

 “He hates tummy time.”

 “She can’t sit still for even a minute.”

 “He’s not using both hands equally — should I worry?”

Parents often bring these questions long before a true delay is present. This is where education and wellness-based guidance can make all the difference.


This Lunch & Learn explores typical sensory-motor development from birth through age five, highlighting how sensory processing and motor skills build the foundation for coordination, attention, and emotional regulation. We’ll also introduce how Progressive Pediatric Therapy’s Guiding Growth and Parent Coaching programs partner with pediatricians to help families understand milestones, support development, and build confidence — without requiring formal therapy or medical necessity.

A woman is kneeling down next to a toddler who is standing on a platform.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:


  1. Describe the stages of typical sensory-motor development from infancy through age five.
  2. Explain how sensory integration (vestibular, tactile, proprioceptive systems) influences movement, posture, and coordination.
  3. Identify common patterns and behaviors that represent normal developmental variation versus those that may warrant closer observation.
  4. Apply strategies and parent language for guiding families on how to nurture motor and sensory skills through play and daily routines.
  5. Refer to Guiding Growth or Parent Coaching as proactive wellness options for families seeking developmental education and support outside the medical model.

  • 1. The Foundation: Sensory and Motor Systems Working Together

    • Movement is the first language of the brain — early motor experiences organize sensory pathways.
    • A. Jean Ayres emphasized that sensory integration is the groundwork for emotional regulation, learning, and purposeful action.
    • Core milestones to review:
    • Birth–6 months: Reflex integration, head control, early reach, rolling
    • 6–12 months: Sitting balance, crawling, tactile exploration
    • 12–24 months: Walking, climbing, cause-and-effect play
    • 2–3 years: Running, jumping, bilateral coordination
    • 3–5 years: Fine-motor refinement, postural control, pre-writing, motor planning

  • 2. Recognizing “Typical Differences”

    • Some children crave movement — others avoid it.
    • Some love messy play — others shy away.
    • Understanding sensory preferences helps parents support, not correct, their child’s style of learning.

  • 3. Coaching Parents for Confidence

    Through Parent Coaching, our licensed therapists:


    • Teach parents to observe and interpret sensory-motor cues
    • Model play routines that build strength, coordination, and regulation
    • Reinforce typical milestones while giving families activities that encourage skill achievement
    • Provide simple, engaging handouts — no equipment required

  • 4. Guiding Growth: Proactive Developmental Wellness

    The Guiding Growth Program offers milestone-based check-ins at key ages (newborn, 6 mo, 12 mo).

    Each visit includes:

    • Developmental review of feeding, sleep, play, and sensory-motor skills
    • Personalized activities for continued growth
    • Early identification of areas that may benefit from extra support
    • Optional referral to our OT/PT/SLP specialists if concerns emerge

    Goal: To bridge pediatric care and early wellness — supporting development before challenges arise.

Empowers pediatricians with language to reassure parents confidently

Provides an evidence-based resource for “gray zone” developmental concerns

Reduces unnecessary referrals for mild delays or sensory quirks

Strengthens the physician-therapist partnership for whole-child wellness

A person is wrapping another person 's hand with a bandage.

Topic: Guiding Growth: Understanding Typical SensoriMotor Development from Birth to 5 and Empowering Families Through Parent Coaching

 Duration: 45–60 minutes (includes lunch, Q&A, and milestone handout)

 Audience: Pediatricians, Family Medicine Physicians, NPs, PAs, Early Intervention Teams

 Format: In-person or virtual Lunch & Learn

Subject: Lunch & Learn: SensoriMotor Milestones Made Simple — Guiding Parents with Confidence

Body:

Parents often ask, “Is this normal?” when their child moves, plays, or reacts differently from peers. Join Progressive Pediatric Therapy for an educational Lunch & Learn on SensoriMotor Development in Children: Typical Milestones from Birth to 5 and How Parent Coaching Can Support Families.

Learn to:

  •  Identify typical sensory-motor milestones and variations
  • Communicate effectively with parents about movement and sensory behaviors
  • Connect families to Guiding Growth and Parent Coaching — our developmental wellness programs that complement pediatric care.


Date: [Insert Date]  Time: [Insert Time]  Location: [Insert Location]


RSVP to [contact email]. Lunch provided.

  • “When parents ask ‘Is this normal?’ — you’ll have the answers.”


  • “Promoting wellness through early developmental check-ins.”


  • “Helping families move, play, and grow with confidence.”