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Social Development and Emotional Development
Younger Preschoolers (33-48 months)

Components and Developmental Indicators

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

Use more complex terms to describe body parts and physical characteristics (accurately identify “where it hurts”).

2

Identify self by first and last name.

3

Aware of the idea of ownership (“This is mine, that is yours.”).

1

Describe themselves in positive terms, including what they like and dislike, what they can do, and what they have done.

2

Demonstrate emerging sense of independence in their choices and confidence that they can do many things.

3

Express a sense of belonging to a group (“There’s Destiny from my class.”).

COMPONENT 2:
Developing Relationships

Developmental Indicators

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

1

Seek out trusted adults for approval, emotional support, assistance, and help solving problems when needed.

2

Show affection for adults they are close to and refer to them by name (“Hi Nana!”).

3

Given time, form positive relationships with new teachers or caregivers.

4

Show ease and comfort in their interactions with familiar adults.

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

1

Demonstrate developing social skills with guidance and support when interacting with other children (improving turn-taking, conflict-resolution, sharing).

2

Form and maintain friendships with a few other children.

 
3

Identify another child as a friend.

 
4

Begin to initiate positive interactions and play with other children.

 
1

Seek comfort from and give support to familiar children.

 
2

Begin to demonstrate a respectfor the rights and property of others (ask to play with someone else’s toy).

3

Notice and accept similarities and differences among people, including people with disabilities and those from different cultures (hair color, gender, or favorite activities).

COMPONENT 3:
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors

Developmental Indicator

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

1

Demonstrate pro-social behaviors (waiting for a turn), participate in routines, and transition smoothly from one activity to the next with some adult guidance and support.

2

Often make requests clearly and effectively.

3

Show awareness that their actions affect others (move carefully around classmate’s block structure).

1

Wait for a short time to get what they want (a turn with a toy).

2

Work to resolve conflicts effectively, with guidance and support. 

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

1

Use words or signs to express their needs and feelings most of the time.

2

Suggest reasons for their feelings (“I’m sad because Grandma’s leaving.” “That makes me mad when you do that!”).

3

Manage emotions, control impulses, and calm themselves with adult support and guidance.

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

1

Use words to comfort another child or adult who is upset (bring a comfort object, pat the person on the back and ask, "Are you okay?").

2

Use words and/or actions to meet the needs of others (pick up item someone dropped, help another child who is having trouble building a block tower).

3

With guidance and support, show respect for others’ feelings and points of view (work out conflicts, listen to opinions expressed by others).