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Infants (Birth - 12 Months)

The first year of a child's life, from birth to 12 months, is a period of rapid growth and development. They begin to explore the world around them through their senses, they recognize faces and begin to understand and respond to interactions.

 

It's important to note that every child develops at their own pace and there is a wide range of "typical" development. If you have concerns about your child's development, it's always a good idea to discuss them with a pediatrician.   
Adult touching infants cheeks while they are wearing adult sunglasses

Approaches to Learning

Children are born with an inclination to learn. This is reflected in behaviors and attitudes such as curiosity, problem-solving, maintaining attention, and persistence.

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Approaches to Learning
infant with blue beanie lying on his tummy crying

Social Development & Emotional Development

Children's feelings about themselves and their relationships with others is the foundation for personality development. These characteristics and skills impact every other area of development.

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Social Development & Emotional Development
Mom holding baby in her lap while looking at a book

Communication, Language & Literacy

From birth, children are learning language and developing the ability to communicate. Talking, singing, reading, and responding effectively when children express themselves are great investments supporting learning.

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Communication, Language & Literacy
Mom holding child outward while she looks at the flowers

Cognitive Development

This fascinating area of development includes understanding how children acquire, organize, and use information in increasingly complex ways. Through play, skills are developed as the foundation for exploring and understanding more sophisticated concepts.

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Cognitive Development
Adult hand feeding baby in highchair

Health & Physical Development

Physical growth, muscle development, nutrition, self-care, health and safety practices are included in this area. Safe and healthy practices support the ability to learn more effectively in all areas.

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Health & Physical Development

Activities for children birth to 12 months.

Check out these simple activities that will provide opportunities for bonding, learning, and exploration during the crucial first year of your child's life. Activities are divided by the five Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social Development and Emotional Development, Communication, Language and Literacy, Cognitive Development, and Health & Physical Development.

Birth to 12 Months

Birth to 12 months Approaches To Learning activities

Birth to 12 months Social Development & Emotional Development activities

Birth to 12 months Communication, Language & Literacy activities

Birth to 12 months Cognitive Development activities

Birth to 12 months Health & Physical Development activities
Screenshot of South Dakota early learning guidelines

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Get your copy of the South Dakota Early Learning Guide.