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Younger Preschooler (33-48 Months)

Younger Preschoolers are beginning to enjoy playing with other children, especially pretending or involved in dramatic play. Their emotions are usually extreme and short-lived but are beginning to understand others' emotions. They are demonstrating a natural curiosity and are eager to learn. 

Since all children develop at their own pace, reaching milestones can vary at occur at different stages. If you have a concern about your child's development, have discussions with your pediatrician. 

Areas of Child Development

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cover of the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines 2023 publication

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