--- title: Cognitive Development - Infant | SDStepAhead description: Discover how infants develop cognitive skills through exploration, play, and social interactions. --- [Skip to content](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/cognitive-developmentages-stages/cognitive-development#main-content) [(605) 773-3678](tel:+16057733678) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. Close - 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) SEARCH [![SD Step Ahead Logo](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/StepAhead-Logo-Color.png?width=858&height=194&name=StepAhead-Logo-Color.png)](https://sdstepahead.com/?hsLang=en) - 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) ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/mother%20and%20daughter%20outdoors%20looking%20at%20some%20flowers.jpeg) # Cognitive Development Infants (Birth to 12 months) Components and Developmental Indicators ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/high-angle-kid-playing-with-colorful-toys.jpg?width=649&name=high-angle-kid-playing-with-colorful-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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Discover the world around them by [***actively exploring***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)objects (putting toys in mouth, watching, waving, banging objects, dumping, picking up and dropping objects). 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Turn head or move toward sounds. 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Notice consequences of their actions (open and shut cabinet door, drop spoon and watch it fall). #### 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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Search for objects that are hidden or partially hidden. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Respond differently to familiar vs. unfamiliar people, objects, and situations (reach for new toy instead of old familiar toy, move toward familiar [***adult***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) but hide head on parent’s shoulder when new person comes near). 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Anticipate [***routine***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) events (smile, wave arms and legs, move toward adult holding bottle). 1 ![Orange check mark](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Repeat an action to make something happen again or to reach a [***goal***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)(make sounds when music stops, bounce up and down to get adult to continue “horsey ride”). 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) [***Observe***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) and imitate sounds, movements, and facial expressions, they have seen in the past or in other places. #### 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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Show awareness of others’ reactions to people, objects, and events. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Show awareness of another person’s actions by establishing [***joint attention***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)(look at an object, then at caregiver, and back at object). ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cute-baby-with-toys-b-12%20comp.jpg?width=649&name=cute-baby-with-toys-b-12%20comp.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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Indicate they want “more” with signs, sounds, or looks. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Show interest in obvious differences in quantity by looking at or reaching for objects (reach for a basket with three balls rather than a basket with one ball). #### 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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Discover different shapes by exploring (put rings in mouth, roll balls). 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Attempt to put objects into other objects (put blocks into a bucket). #### 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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Discover objects of different sizes and weights by exploring (put toys in mouth, pick up large objects). #### 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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Differentiate primary caregiver from others. ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/B-12/baby-bathtub%20-%20B-12%20comp.jpg?width=649&name=baby-bathtub%20-%20B-12%20comp.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 characteristics of, and demonstrate respect of 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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Show curiosity and explore the natural world using all their senses (rub hands over grass, lift face to feel wind, pat family dog, splash water). #### 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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Gather information through sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Explore body movements to make something happen (kick a mobile). 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Use multiple senses to focus intently on objects, displays, [***materials***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en), or events. ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Happy%20man%20and%20baby%20boy%20isolated%20over%20a%20white%20background.jpeg?width=649&name=Happy%20man%20and%20baby%20boy%20isolated%20over%20a%20white%20background.jpeg) ## 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 and communities they belong to. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Observe actions of children, adults, animals, and objects nearby. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Seek out parents, siblings, and caregivers for play and for meeting needs. 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=52&height=43&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Express enjoyment or show preference for familiar people with sounds, expressions, and/or movement. #### 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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Notice faces and facial features. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Notice differences between primary adults and others. 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Respond differently to adults and children. ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/B-12/baby%20and%20painting%20B-12%20comp.jpg?width=649&name=baby%20and%20painting%20B-12%20comp.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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Explore [***sensory***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) properties of art media (smear paint, pat and pound dough). 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Use toys and household objects in different ways during [***play***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) (wave, then scrunch, then throw a scarf). 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Imitate and make sounds with simple instruments, toys, and their own voice. 4 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Express feelings, such as joy by moving their bodies (kick feet when excited, hug soft toy). #### 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=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Show wonder or fascination with objects, [***activities***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en), or experiences (pay attention to bright or contrasting colors, look at caregiver singing lullabies, show bodily excitement when they hear music). 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/Orange%20check%20mark.png?width=54&height=45&name=Orange%20check%20mark.png) Hold, touch, and experience different textures (fuzzy blanket, smooth skin, rough carpet). 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