How Kindred Kids Tracks Progress and Celebrates Milestones with ESDM

At Kindred Kids, we believe every small step deserves to be celebrated. Using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), our team takes a thoughtful and child-centred approach to tracking progress and highlighting each milestone, no matter how big or small. By embedding learning into play and daily routines, we can celebrate growth as it happens, making progress feel meaningful and motivating for both children and their families.

Tracking progress in ESDM at Kindred Kids involves regular, detailed observations and individualised teaching plans. Our therapists work closely with families to set specific, achievable goals that align with each child’s developmental level and interests. We use structured checklists and data collection methods tailored to ESDM, such as documenting new skills, tracking how often a child initiates communication, or noting changes in social engagement. These detailed records help us see the bigger picture over time, highlight strengths, and adjust strategies to suit each child’s evolving needs. Families are included every step of the way, ensuring that progress feels shared and celebrated together.

Celebrating milestones is just as important as tracking them. At Kindred Kids, we love to highlight achievements — whether it’s a child using a new word for the first time, joining in a song or learning to take turns during play. These moments are acknowledged in sessions with enthusiastic praise, fun activities and sometimes even small certificates or stickers. Sharing these successes with families is vital where this positive reinforcement builds the child’s confidence and encourages ongoing engagement in learning. Every 3 months we complete "program review week" where we assess your child's full developmental checklist again. We then have a parent review session to celebrate the big wins your child has made!

By focusing on strengths and celebrating growth, Kindred Kids creates an environment where children feel safe, supported and motivated to explore new skills. Using ESDM to guide our practice, we ensure that progress is not just measured in clinical data but felt in smiles, shared laughter and proud moments. This approach empowers families, strengthens bonds, and keeps therapy joyful and meaningful for every child. After all, every milestone — no matter how small — is a step forward worth celebrating.