Skill
Understands Object Permanence
Child knows that people and objects still exist when out of sight and searches for them.
Ages 6–36 months
Why it matters
Realizing that things continue to exist when hidden is a foundational understanding of the physical world. It frees the child to hold an object in mind, search systematically, and trust that caregivers return.
Builds toward this milestone
- recognizes the stability of people and objects in the environment. — Head Start ELOF
What mastery looks like
- Shows awareness that a person or object still exists after it leaves sight or sound range.
- Searches for a hidden object in the place it was last seen.
- Uses more than one search strategy, looking in several locations for a missing object.
How to observe it
- When a toy is covered, does the child reach to uncover it?
- Does the child look toward a door where a caregiver left the room?
Accessibility
- Use sound-making objects so children with vision differences can track hiding by ear.
- Hide objects under lightweight, easy-to-lift covers for children with motor differences.
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