Gross Motor Skill Development

Building strength, balance, and confidence for active kids

At Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center, our pediatric physical therapists help infants, toddlers, and children develop the gross motor skills they need to move, play, and participate confidently—at home, at school, and in the community. Using play-based, evidence-guided therapy, we focus on strength, balance, posture, coordination, and safe movement for ages 0–18. Care is available in Washington and Odon, Indiana.

Who may benefit

Pediatric physical therapy can help when children have difficulty with:

• Rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, or walking
• Running, jumping, stair climbing, or playground skills
• Core strength, posture, or endurance
• Balance, coordination, or frequent falls
• Keeping up with peers in gym, recess, or sports
• Neurological, orthopedic, genetic, or developmental conditions that affect movement

If mobility challenges make everyday activities hard—or if your child avoids movement due to fatigue, fear, or instability—an evaluation can help you know where to start.

Milestones at a glance

Every child develops at their own pace. These guides can help you know what to watch for.

0–6 months

• Bends and straightens legs while on back
• Rolls from back to side
• Lifts head ~45° while on tummy, bearing weight on forearms
• Reaches feet to mouth or grabs feet

If you’re concerned: Ask your pediatrician for a referral or call (812) 254-8889 to discuss a screening.

6–12 months

• Rolls from back to tummy
• Bears weight on legs when held upright
• Army crawls; then gets on hands and knees and rocks
• Crawls on hands and knees
• Initiates walking around 12–14 months

If you’re concerned: Limited rolling, poor tolerance for tummy time, or delayed crawling/walking may warrant an evaluation.

By age 2

• Creeps up/down steps on hands and knees
• Walks backward ~5 feet
• Plays on knees with hands free for toys
• Initiates running

If you’re concerned: Frequent falling, hesitancy on steps, or limited exploration can signal the need for therapy.

By age 3

• Walks up and down steps with support
• Jumps up/forward with both feet clearing the floor
• Balances on one foot for ~3 seconds

If you’re concerned: Difficulty jumping, balancing, or navigating stairs with support may benefit from PT.

Not sure how these fit your child? We’re happy to help you interpret milestones and decide on next steps. Call (812) 254-8889.

How CORE helps

Our pediatric physical therapists design individualized, play-based programs to improve:

• Strength & endurance for walking, running, jumping, and play
• Balance & coordination to reduce falls and increase confidence
• Core & posture for better control in standing and sitting
• Mobility & range of motion to support gross motor milestones
• Functional movement patterns (gait training, stairs, playground skills)
• Participation & independence in home routines, school, and recreation

We also provide family education with practical home strategies and collaborate with pediatricians, schools, and other therapists as needed.

What to expect

Evaluation

We review your child’s history, strengths, and goals; observe posture, balance, coordination, and movement patterns; and identify priorities for daily life (home, school, play).

Personalized plan

Together, we set achievable goals and a visit schedule. Sessions are active and fun—using games and age-appropriate activities to build strength, balance, and confidence. We provide simple home practice that fits your routine.

Progress you can see

We track outcomes, adjust the plan as your child grows, and coordinate with your pediatrician, school team, and other providers to support carryover across settings.

Locations and scheduling

• CORE Center – 421 E. Van Trees Street, Washington, IN
• CORE Center at North Daviess – 800 S. West Street, Odon, IN

Call (812) 254-8889 to schedule a pediatric physical therapy evaluation or ask about referral requirements. Many insurers require a physician referral—our team can help you determine next steps.

FAQs

Will my child “catch up” without therapy?
Some children do; others need targeted support. Early intervention can help children develop skills faster and with fewer compensations.

How long does therapy take?
It varies by child and goals. Your therapist will outline a plan and timeline after evaluation.

Can you coordinate with my child’s school or pediatrician?
Yes. With your permission, we share recommendations to support success across settings.