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Social Development and Emotional Development
Older Toddlers (18 to 36 months)

Components and Developmental Indicators

mother-daughter-high-fives OT SDED comp 1

COMPONENT 1:
Developing a Positive Sense of Self

Developmental Indicators

SDED Goal-1: Children demonstrate a positive sense of themselves as unique and capable individuals in play and everyday tasks.
 
 
1

Purple Checkmark

Begin to name some body parts when asked. (“Nose,” when adult asks, “What’s this?” while touches nose.)

2

Purple Checkmark

Identify self by name or a personal pronoun (I, me).

3

Purple Checkmark

Express preferences and make choices (When offered an object they do not want, will respond “No!”).

 
 
1

Purple Checkmark

Use simple terms to describe their characteristics and what they can do.

2

Purple Checkmark

Show increasing confidence and pleasure with their accomplishments.

3

Purple Checkmark

Explore things that interest them in their environment.

little-kids-playing-toys-learning-center

COMPONENT 2:
Developing Relationships

Developmental Indicators

SDED Goal-2: Children form relationships and interact positively with familiar adults in play and everyday tasks.
 
 
1

Purple Checkmark

Form close relationships with their primary caregivers and other familiar adults.

2

Purple Checkmark

Seek help from trusted adults when upset (when fearful or having difficulty with something).

3

Purple Checkmark

Feel more secure and calm more quickly, when primary caregiver is with them.

4

Purple Checkmark

Use simple language to ask adults for help or to do something with them (sign or say “more” or “up up.”).

SDED Goal-3: Children form relationships and interact positively with other children in play and everyday tasks.
 
 
1

Purple Checkmark

Show positive emotion and turn taking, with guidance and support, when playing with familiar playmates.

2

Purple Checkmark

Show affection or preference for particular children (spontaneously hug, call another child a friend).

3

Purple Checkmark

Remember and use names of familiar playmates.

 
 
1

Purple Checkmark

Use appropriate words to influence playmates’ behavior (“Play with me.” “Please stop.”).

2

Purple Checkmark

Participate in play with other children.

child-frustrated - OT SDED comp 3

COMPONENT 3:
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors

Developmental Indicators

SDED Goal-4: Children demonstrate self-regulation, prosocial behaviors, and participate cooperatively as members of a group in play and everyday tasks.
 
 
1

Purple Checkmark

Demonstrate pro-social behaviors, participate in routines, and transition from one activity to the next with adult guidance and support (need adult reminders to self-regulate and return toy they have taken from another child).

2

Purple Checkmark

Adjust their behavior to fit situations (tiptoe near a sleeping baby, use a quieter voice inside, runs outside).

3

Purple Checkmark

Accept limits and redirection (accepts “no” and moves onto another activity without getting overly upset).

 
 
1

Purple Checkmark

Evaluate own and others’ actions as right or wrong (pointing out that another child is climbing on the table).

2

Purple Checkmark

Show caring and cooperation (help to put away toys, offer to help another person).

3

Purple Checkmark

Wait for a short time to get what they want (a snack), with guidance and support.

SDED Goal-5: Children demonstrate an ability to identify and regulate their emotions in play and everyday tasks.
 
 
1

Purple Checkmark

Frequently use simple words or signs to communicate needs and feelings.

2

Purple Checkmark

Manage emotions and control impulses with guidance and support (instead of hitting says, “I don’t like that!” or waits by door instead of running ahead when excited to go out.)

3

Purple Checkmark

Display emotional outbursts less often.

4

Purple Checkmark

Use physical ways of expressing themselves when their feelings are intense (jumping up and down when excited).

SDED Goal-6: Children recognize and respond to the needs and feelings of others in play and everyday tasks. 
 
 
1

Purple Checkmark

Use simple words and/or actions to comfort another child or adult who is upset (provide a comfort object, hugging a peer who is crying and says, “okay?”).

2

Purple Checkmark

Show concern for others (share a toy with someone who doesn’t have one).

3

Purple Checkmark

Offer help to meet the needs of others (pick up item someone dropped, help another child who is having trouble building a block tower).

4

Purple Checkmark

Recognize facial expressions or actions associated with different emotions.