A Parent's and Professional's Guide to Social and Emotional Development in the Preschool Years

Developed by the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health

2006 Michigan Association for Infant Mental health

www.mi.aimh.org

• 2 - 2 1/2 Years ~Likes people * Uses words to communicate * Enjoys books and simple games * May be shy in unfamiliar places * Uses pretend play * Smiles and laughs * Says "no!" often* Is playful with others

Parent or Professional ~ Listen to toddler and uses words for feelings * Reads to toddler every day * Enjoys toddler and plays simple games * Supports toddler's play * Helps toddler feel comfortable * Encourages imaginary play * Encourages and praises toddler * Is patient with Toddler's use of "no!"

• 2 1/2 - 3 Years ~ Enjoys books and games * Is able to play independently * Separates easily from caregiver(s) in familiar places * Begins to share with othrs * Shows feelings for others * Expresses many feelings * Uses a blanket or special toy for comfort when upset

Parent or Professional ~ Tells storeis, reads and encourages pretend play * Encourages toddler to play independently * Helps toddler separate without difficutly * Helps toddler to share and to use many words for feelings * Listens and rsponds to toddler's feelings * Offers toddler special comfort object when upset or under stress

• 3 - 3 1/2 Years ~ Begins to include others in play * Has secure relationships with consistent adults * Expects support, safety and protection from others * Expresses many feelings: happy, mad, sad, scared, etc * Listens and responds to what another says and expresses needs in short sentences * Enjoys stories, songs, games * Enjoys daily routine and doing things for self * Can wait for a short time

Parent or Professional ~ Helps child to include othes in play * Supports child to develop trust in other consistent adults * Provides sensitive support, safety and protection * Names feelings, accepts chiild's expression of feelings * Listens and encourages child to use many words * Shares new stories, songs, games * Establishes daily routine and support child's growing independence * Responsive and patient with child

• 3 1/2 - 4 Years ~ Enjoys relationships with parent/caregiver/others * Follows simple directions * Understands and responds to "no!" * Listens to gentle reminders, accepts changes in routines and tries new things * Begins to more easily share, take turns and cooperate with others * Uses names for people * Begins to notice other people's feelings

Parent or Professional ~ Enjoys relationship with child * Uses words to provide positive directions for child's behavior * Sets limits consistently, firmly and fairly * Uses words to help child know what to expect, accept changes and try new things * Uses positive words to support child to share, take turns and cooperate with others * Supports child's relationships by using names * Uses words to help child understand the feelings of others

• 4 - 4 1/2 Years ~ Show curiosity about people and things * Shows affection toward familiar people and uses words to express pleasure in relationships * Makes up imaginary games and may enjoy imaginary play with others * Uses words to ask for help and get needs met * Behavior show awareness/respect for feelings of others * Enjoys simple problem solving

Parent or Professional ~ Encourages child's curiosity and small discoveries * Listens and responds to child with love, warmth and affection * Says positive things to child * Supports and takes pleasure in child's imaginary play * Urges child to use words to ask for help and then meets child's needs * Is respectful of child and of other people * Helps child with simple problem solving

• 4 1/2 - 5 Years ~ Feels good about self (most of the time) * Sings many songs; enjoys many books * Shows a range of feelings and shares worries with trusted adult(s) * Shows affection for others * Accepts limits and manages negative feelings (most of the time) * Uses many words to talk about the day * Asks many questions: who, what, where, when, why, how?

Parent and Professional ~ Recognizes and supports child's positive behavior and self-confidence * Shares many songs and books with child * Shows consistent concern for child's feelings and offers comfort * Encourages child to express positive feelings for others * gently and consistently helps child manage negative feelings and control behavior * Asks about child's day and then listens with interest * Is patient and responsive to child's questions