---
title: Cognitive Development - Older Toddler | SDStepAhead
description: Discover the cognitive development milestones and strategies for older toddlers.
---

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- Age-Level Continuum 
    - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants)
    - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler)
    - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler)
    - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler)
    - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers)
    - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten)
- Learning Domains 
    - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning)
    - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development)
    - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy)
    - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development)
    - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development)
    - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities)
    - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b)
- About 
    - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead)
    - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles)
    - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization)
    - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead)
    - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs)
- [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services)
- [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources)
- [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact)

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- Age-Level Continuum 
    - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants)
    - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler)
    - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler)
    - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler)
    - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers)
    - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten)
- Learning Domains 
    - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning)
    - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development)
    - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy)
    - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development)
    - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development)
    - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities)
    - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b)
- About 
    - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead)
    - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles)
    - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization)
    - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead)
    - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs)
- [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services)
- [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources)
- [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact)

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# Cognitive Development Older Toddlers (18 to 36 months) Components and Developmental Indicators

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20Toddler/women-playing-home-with-children-toys.jpg?width=649&name=women-playing-home-with-children-toys.jpg)

## COMPONENT 1: Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning

### Developmental Indicators

#### CD Goal-1: Through their explorations, play, and social interactions, children use their senses to discover and construct knowledge about the world around them.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=56&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Explore and [***experiment***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) with objects and [***materials***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) to learn about their properties.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Experiment with safe [***tools***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) to learn how they work (wooden hammer with pegs, sifter, funnel).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Put together multiple combinations of actions and objects (put toothpaste on brush and brush teeth).

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Share simple concepts they have discovered with their senses through [***play***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) (imitate something they have seen an [***adult***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) do, show they understand how to sort by sorting toys as they are playing).

#### CD Goal-2: Through their explorations, play, and social interactions, children recall information and apply it to new situations and problems.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Search for objects in several places, even when not seen recently.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Show they remember people, objects, and events (talk about them, act them out, point out similar happenings).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Show they remember the order of familiar events (finish a phrase in a story or song, get ready to go outdoors after snack).

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Try multiple times to [***cause an effect***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) or solve challenging problems, combining actions and behaviors used before (ask another child to help remove a lid with them after trying unsuccessfully themselves).

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Repeat simple [***problem-solving***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) [***strategies***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) to find solutions to everyday problems.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Choose objects to [***represent***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) something else with similar features during play (block for cell phone, large sheet for tent).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Perform more complex action after watching an adult (activate sound from toy, open a latch).

#### CD Goal-3: Through their explorations, play, and social interactions, children demonstrate the ability to think about their own thinking: reasoning, taking perspectives, and making decisions.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Notice and respond to others’ feelings and behaviors (hand a toy to another child as a play invitation).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

[***Observe***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) and imitate adult actions and adjusts interactions based on those observations (after seeing adult set table, put napkins on table).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Use words like “think,” “remember,” and “pretend.”

 

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Talk about what they and other people want or like.

 

 

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20Toddler/close-up-child-enjoying-didactic-game%20(1).jpg?width=649&name=close-up-child-enjoying-didactic-game%20(1).jpg)

## COMPONENT 2: Mathematical Thinking and Expression

### **Developmental Indicators**

#### CD Goal-4: Through their explorations, play, and social interactions, children count with understanding and use numbers to tell how many, describe order, and compare.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Use words or actions that show understanding of the concepts of “more,” “all,” as well as “none”. 

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Count to 5 with the support of an adult.

 

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Understand the meaning of “one”.

 

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Place items in [***one-to-one correspondence***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) during play and daily [***routines***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) (one spoon at each plate; one doll in each toy car).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Make a small group (1-3) with the same number of items as another group of items (take 3 balls from a basket after the teacher shows the group that she has 3 balls and asks each person to take the same number of balls).

#### CD Goal-5: Through their explorations, play, and social interactions, children demonstrate concepts about position, as well as identify and describe simple geometric shapes.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Respond to and begin to use words describing positions (in, on, over, under, etc.).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Name or match a few shapes.

 

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Stack or line up blocks that are the same shape.

 

#### CD Goal-6: Through their explorations, play and social interactions, children compare, sort, group, organize, measure, and create simple patterns using concrete objects.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Use size and amount words to label objects, people, and collections (big truck, a lot of cookies, little baby).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Group objects into categories (cars with cars, plates separated from cups).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Recognize objects that are different but go together (such as shovel and pail or cup and plate).

#### CD Goal-7: Through their explorations, play, and social interactions, children use mathematical thinking to ask questions and solve problems.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Use observation and [***emerging***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) counting skills (1, 2, 3) during play and other daily activities.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Match objects by shape, color, or size.

 

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Match object to picture of object.

 

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Match objects that have the same function (a brush and a comb or a bowl and a plate).

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20Toddler/high-angle-kid-playing-indoors.jpg?width=649&name=high-angle-kid-playing-indoors.jpg)

## COMPONENT 3: Scientific Exploration and Knowledge

### Developmental Indicators

#### CD Goal-8: As a result of their explorations and participation in simple investigations through play, children observe, describe, and demonstrate respect for living things, the environment, and the physical world.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Show curiosity and [***investigate***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) the world of nature indoors and outdoors (roll in the grass, scratch frost on window).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Help adult with the care of living things (water plants, feed classroom pet).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Cause toys they are playing with to move and provide simple descriptions (“My train go fast!”).

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Collect items that may share an attribute.

 

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Classify things into groups but may [***overgeneralize***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) (call all small animals “puppies”).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Describe using one word (hot, soft, big).

 

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Observe and choose simple clothing for weather (mittens and boots when snowy).

#### CD Goal-9: As a result of their explorations and participation in simple investigations through play, children demonstrate their ability to use scientific inquiry by observing, manipulating objects, asking questions, making predictions, and developing generalizations.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Make simple scribbles, sounds, or movements to describe what they are seeing and experiencing.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=56&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Use simpletools to investigate objects (magnifying glass, ramps for rolling balls, spoons for digging) or to obtain a desired object (ruler to guide ball back from under shallow cabinet).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Try out different materials to create a structure.

 

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Investigate differences between materials (sand, water, moving air).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Notice and comment on changes in materials when mixing and manipulating (paint, playdough, food ingredients).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Ask, “What’s that?”

 

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20Toddler/close-up-shot-small-grandchild-embrace-kisses-her-grandfather-who-gives-camomiles-have-walk-together-countryside.jpg?width=649&name=close-up-shot-small-grandchild-embrace-kisses-her-grandfather-who-gives-camomiles-have-walk-together-countryside.jpg)

## COMPONENT 4: Social Studies, Family and Community Connections

### Developmental Indicators

#### CD Goal-10: Through their explorations, play, and social interactions, children demonstrate an understanding of relationships, roles, and what it means to be a participating member of their families and the diverse groups/communities they belong to.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Intently watch and imitate other children and adults (try to swing a plastic bat they have seen an older child use).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Use play to show what they know about relationships and roles in families and other familiar contexts. 

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Talk about what others do during the day (“Mommy at work. Gramma at home.”).

 

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Help with daily routines (put napkins out for lunch).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Seek out familiar playmates to sit next to when playing.

#### CD Goal-11: Through their explorations, play, and social interactions, children identify and demonstrate appreciation of similarities and differences between themselves and others.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Describe people who are similar and different based on characteristics such as age, gender, and other physical characteristics.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Show awareness of similarities and differences among people and families by taking on different [***roles***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) during play.

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/mother-daughter-xylophone%20CD%20OT%20comp%205.jpg?width=649&name=mother-daughter-xylophone%20CD%20OT%20comp%205.jpg)

## COMPONENT 5: Creative Arts and Expression

### Developmental Indicators

#### CD Goal-12: Children engage in a variety of creative activities for enjoyment and self-expression including play, visual arts, music, expressive movement, and drama.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Experiment and create [***2D and 3D***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) art with clay, crayons, markers, paint, and collage materials.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Create representations of familiar objects and scenes using play materials, language, scribbles and other actions.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Make up simple nonsense songs, sign, chant, and move to music (twirl around and fall down, “march” by lifting knees high).

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Talk or sing to themselves for comfort or enjoyment and express ideas and feelings through music and movement.

#### CD Goal-13: Children demonstrate an appreciation for different forms of art including visual arts, music, expressive movement, and drama.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Express delight in different forms of art (choose to look at a book with colorful photographs).

 

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=55&height=46&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png)

Participate in and use simple words to describe art, music, movement, drama, or other [***aesthetic experiences***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) (talk about colors in a painting).

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Our mission is to promote healthy child development by educating, inspiring and assisting parents and caregivers.

SD Step Ahead is a comprehensive early childhood initiative made possible by the South Dakota Department of Education.

- [Find Services by County](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services)
- [SD Head Start Collaboration Office](https://doe.sd.gov/headstart/)
- [SD Department of Education](https://doe.sd.gov/)
- [SD Professional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/SD%20Early%20Childhood%20PD%20Opportunities%20(updated).pdf?hsLang=en)
- [HeadStart.gov](https://headstart.gov/)

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