Domain

Physical Development & Health

Gross-motor, fine-motor, health, and self-care growth as the bodily foundation for all early learning. As children gain strength, coordination, and control, they build the stability and independence that let them explore, play, and engage with every other domain.

Ages 0–72 months

physical-development gross-motor fine-motor self-care health

Skills

Explores Objects with the Senses Child uses looking, touching, mouthing, and handling to learn the properties of objects and how they work. 4–30 months Develops a Pincer Grasp Infant picks up small objects using the thumb and index finger together. 6–14 months Coordinates Hand and Eye Movements Child uses sight to guide the hands when reaching, releasing, stacking, and fitting objects together. 6–36 months Uses Large Muscles to Explore Child uses whole-body movements such as crawling, climbing, running, kicking, and throwing to explore and act on the environment. 6–36 months Explores Healthy Eating Toddler shows interest in trying new nutritious foods and communicates hunger and fullness. 8–36 months Moves Body with Sensory Awareness Child uses sight, sound, and body awareness to plan movements and judge how their body fits and moves through space. 8–36 months Walks and Climbs Toddler walks independently and climbs onto and over low furniture and steps. 9–24 months Adjusts Reach and Grasp to Use Tools Child changes how the hand reaches and grips to use simple tools such as spoons, markers, and toy shovels. 9–36 months Learns Safe Behaviors with Adult Support Toddler accepts adult guidance in unsafe situations and begins to tell safe from unsafe behaviors. 16–36 months Manages Self-Care Routines Child carries out daily routines such as dressing, handwashing, and feeding themselves with growing independence. 24–48 months Uses Fine-Motor Tools Child handles tools such as child scissors, tongs, and crayons with control. 30–54 months Follows Personal Safety Practices Child knows and follows basic personal safety rules and routines, identifying and avoiding common dangers. 36–60 months Guides Movement with Perception Child uses awareness of body, space, and other people to coordinate movements and interact with objects and peers. 36–60 months Makes Nutritious Food Choices Child identifies healthy foods, understands that food helps the body grow, and makes nutritious choices with growing independence. 36–60 months Balances, Hops, and Throws Child balances on one foot, hops, and throws and catches a ball with growing control. 36–66 months

Early Atlas