Domain

Social-Emotional Development

The growing capacity to understand and manage emotions, build secure relationships, regulate behavior, and develop empathy. Recognized by Head Start ELOF and CDC as a foundational domain that underpins all other learning.

Ages 0–72 months

social-emotional self-regulation relationships emotions foundational

Skills

Seeks Comfort from Familiar Adults Infant or toddler turns to trusted adults for comfort and expects positive responses. 0–30 months Expresses a Range of Emotions Infant or toddler shows a widening range of emotions through faces, sounds, gestures, and words. 2–36 months Discovers Self and Others Infant or toddler explores their own body and grows aware of self as separate from others. 3–30 months Seeks Help from Adults Infant or toddler communicates needs and asks familiar adults for help. 6–36 months Sense of Belonging in Family Toddler anticipates familiar routines and identifies as a member of a family. 6–36 months Shows Confidence in Own Abilities Toddler shows and shares new skills, seeking encouragement from familiar people. 6–36 months Shows Interest in Other Children Infant or toddler notices, watches, and begins to connect with other children. 6–36 months Imitates and Plays with Peers Toddler imitates other children and joins in simple play with them. 8–36 months Recognizes Own Name and Characteristics Toddler responds to their own name and notices characteristics of self and others. 8–36 months Shows Care and Concern for Others Toddler notices others' distress and responds with concern or simple comfort. 8–36 months Warms Up to New Adults Toddler uses a trusted adult as a secure base when meeting unfamiliar adults. 8–36 months Identifies Basic Emotions Child names basic emotions in themselves and others. 24–48 months Takes Turns Child takes turns with others during play, with support. 30–54 months Manages Strong Feelings Child uses a simple strategy to calm down when upset, with support. 30–60 months Connects With Trusted Adults Child builds warm relationships with adults and turns to them for help. 36–60 months Cooperates With Adults Child uses polite social behavior and follows adult guidance. 36–60 months Expresses Confidence in Self Child shows pride in accomplishments and positive feelings about who they are. 36–60 months Makes Friends With Peers Child joins and sustains friendly play and conversation with other children. 36–60 months Shows Empathy Child notices others' feelings and responds with care. 36–60 months Solves Peer Conflicts Child uses simple problem-solving to work through conflicts with other children. 36–60 months

Early Atlas