NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

A child is typically considered to have a developmental delay when they show significant lag in one or more areas of development compared to their peers. The age range of 0-9 years is particularly significant because this period encompasses critical early years of development when various skills—such as motor, cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills—are rapidly emerging.

During these formative years, children establish foundational skills that are crucial for later learning and social interactions. Identifying developmental delays within this age range allows for early intervention and support that can help children meet developmental milestones more effectively.

The other age ranges do not reflect the broader consensus observed in early childhood education and developmental psychology regarding when significant delays are typically recognized. 0-5 years captures key developmental phases but does not extend as far as 9 years, which is significant for ongoing growth. The ranges of 3-10 and 5-12 years also miss the importance of addressing developmental concerns in the earlier years when interventions can be most beneficial.