Skill
Distinguishes Familiar from Unfamiliar
Child recognizes familiar people, objects, and routines and notices when something is new or unexpected.
Ages 4–36 months
Why it matters
Holding a memory of "what is usual" lets a child notice and react to what is new. This comparison underlies attention, prediction, and the working memory that supports later self-regulation and learning.
Builds toward this milestone
- recognizes differences between familiar and unfamiliar people, objects, actions, or events. — Head Start ELOF
What mastery looks like
- Recognizes familiar people by face or voice and reacts differently to strangers.
- Remembers usual locations of objects and steps of familiar routines.
- Notices and comments on, or shows surprise at, new or unexpected people, objects, or events.
How to observe it
- Does the child respond differently to a familiar caregiver than to a new visitor?
- When a routine changes, does the child notice or ask about it?
Accessibility
- Pair faces with consistent voice or scent cues for children with vision differences.
- Keep routines and object placement predictable for children who rely on sameness.
Activities
Evidence
- CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Developmental Milestones — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · 2022 · U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Early Atlas