
Social Development and Emotional Development
Younger Preschoolers (33-48 months)
Components and Developmental Indicators
Younger Preschoolers (33-48 months)
Components and Developmental Indicators
Developmental Indicators
SDED Goal-1: Children demonstrate a positive sense of themselves as unique and capable individuals in play and everyday tasks.
Use more complex terms to describe body parts and physical characteristics (accurately identify “where it hurts”).
Identify self by first and last name.
Aware of the idea of ownership (“This is mine, that is yours.”).
Describe themselves in positive terms, including what they like and dislike, what they can do, and what they have done.
Demonstrate emerging sense of independence in their choices and confidence that they can do many things.
Express a sense of belonging to a group (“There’s Destiny from my class.”).
Developmental Indicators
SDED Goal-2: Children form relationships and interact positively with familiar adults in play and everyday tasks.
Seek out trusted adults for approval, emotional support, assistance, and help solving problems when needed.
Show affection for adults they are close to and refer to them by name (“Hi Nana!”).
Given time, form positive relationships with new teachers or caregivers.
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.
Demonstrate developing social skills with guidance and support when interacting with other children (improving turn-taking, conflict-resolution, sharing).
Form and maintain friendships with a few other children.
Identify another child as a friend.
Begin to initiate positive interactions and play with other children.
Seek comfort from and give support to familiar children.
Begin to demonstrate a respect for the rights and property of others (ask to play with someone else’s toy).
Notice and accept similarities and differences among people, including people with disabilities and those from different cultures (hair color, gender, or favorite activities).
Developmental Indicator
SDED Goal-4: Children demonstrate self-regulation, prosocial behaviors, and participate cooperatively as members of a group in play and everyday tasks.
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.
Often make requests clearly and effectively.
Show awareness that their actions affect others (move carefully around classmate’s block structure).
Wait for a short time to get what they want (a turn with a toy).
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.
Use words or signs to express their needs and feelings most of the time.
Suggest reasons for their feelings (“I’m sad because Grandma’s leaving.” “That makes me mad when you do that!”).
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.
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?").
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).
With guidance and support, show respect for others’ feelings and points of view (work out conflicts, listen to opinions expressed by others).