Social Emotional Development- during the infant/toddler years

Young children must learn how to interact with adults in a positive way both family members and non-family members

  Birth to 18 months

 these are some signs that you can look for : 1. Quiets when comforted, especially by familiar adult, most of the time 2. Shows preference for  one parent over the other 3. Initiates and maintains interactions with caregivers (e.g., smiles, gestures, verbal) 4. Imitates familiar adults’ gestures and sounds 5. Shows affection for adults through facial expressions and gestures 6. Explores environment with guidance 7. Distinguishes between familiar and unfamiliar adults (e.g., prefers comfort from familiar adult) 8.
18 to 36 months
 Exhibits separation anxiety by clinging to caregiver in the presence of strangers 1. Establishes an attachment or bond with a consistent adult other than the primary caregiver 2. Demonstrates feeling safe with significant adults by seeking them when uncomfortable or when sick, tired, or in a dangerous situation 3. Imitates adult activities (e.g., pretends to cook, “reads” next to adult who is reading) 4. Initiates interactions and play with adults 5. Responds to adults’ verbal greetings 6. Communicates with adults about recent activities 7. Labels feelings 8. Shows awareness of others’ feelings 9. May show extreme discomfort with separation or new situations when familiar caregiver is not present – by protesting loudly (crying) or by withdrawing completely (refusing to participate) 10. May need to have a special blanket, stuffed animal or toy for comfort 1.
36 to  60 months
 Separates with assistance from significant adults and transitions to program 2. Expresses affection for significant adults 3. Approaches adults for assistance and offers to assist adults 4. Carries out actions to please adults at times 5. Expresses feelings about adults (e.g., “I love Auntie”) Sample Strategies to Promote Development and Learning: Sample Strategies to Promote Development and Learning: Sample Strategies