Acorns to Oak Trees Developmental Milestone App
A Culturally Tailored Developmental Milestone Tracker for Native Families

Acorns to Oak Trees is an innovative, culturally responsive app designed to help Native families track and support their children’s development from birth to age five. Developed in partnership with tribal leaders, early childhood experts, and families, the app integrates scientific research with cultural traditions, ensuring that families receive meaningful, community-centered resources.

More than just a tool, the app bridges families to culturally appropriate developmental guidance, traditional knowledge, and region-specific services. With linguistic accessibility, Native-designed visuals, and actionable insights, Acorns to Oak Trees uplifts cultural identity while addressing gaps in early childhood resources.

Key Features
Developmental Milestone Tracking
Age-Specific Milestones: Clear, family-friendly benchmarks across physical, cognitive, social-emotional, language, and adaptive skills.
Milestone Alerts: Notifications to track progress and identify potential concerns.
Cultural Context: Guidance incorporates traditional storytelling, song, and games to support cognitive and language development.
Interactive Progress Charts: Visuals showing developmental growth over time.
Customizable Regional Resources
Local Tribal Services: Directory of health clinics, early intervention programs, and educational resources.
Traditional Medicine & Practices: Wellness recommendations, such as smudging and traditional foods.
Regional Centers: Listings for California’s 21 regional centers providing early childhood services.
Parent and Caregiver Tips
Language Revitalization: Daily strategies to incorporate Native languages into parenting.
Early Intervention Support
Screening Tools: Age-based questionnaires to identify potential delays.
Referral Pathways: Step-by-step guidance for accessing therapy and developmental services.
Parent Advocacy Resources: Training on navigating healthcare, IFSPs, and education systems.
Interactive Tools & Activities
Milestone Challenges: Activities promoting developmental skills, such as traditional beading for fine motor development.
Active Living Suggestions: Games and exercises tailored for children with sensory or mobility challenges.
Cultural Customization
Native Representation: Artwork, symbols, and colors reflecting tribal cultures.
Traditional Knowledge: Parenting content developed with tribal elders and rooted in cultural teachings.
Design Principles
Cultural Responsiveness: Developed with Native community input to reflect diverse traditions and values.
Accessibility & Inclusion: Offline access ensures usability in remote areas.
Evidence-Based Practices: Content backed by research from child development experts.
A Movement for Future Generations
Acorns to Oak Trees is more than an app—it’s a movement to empower Native families in nurturing the next generation. By blending cultural heritage with developmental science, the app ensures that every child grows strong, rooted in tradition, and ready for the future.