Development Domains
This area involves how children think, learn, remember, and solve problems.
What is cognitive development?
This baby can sit with little or no support, reach for objects, and explore toys by touching and mouthing them. What age group is this describing?
What is 0–12 months?
Babbling, making sounds, and eventually using words are examples of this type of development.
What is language development?
A baby smiles when a familiar caregiver enters the room. Which developmental area is this?
What is social-emotional development?
A baby picks up a toy, shakes it, and watches what happens. Which developmental area is MOST obvious?
What is cognitive development?
Reaching, grabbing, crawling, and walking are examples of this type of development.
What is physical development?
This toddler is walking around the room, saying a few familiar words, pointing at things they want, and trying to do things without help. Which age group fits best?
What is 12–24 months?
Name ONE way a baby can communicate before speaking words.
What are crying, gestures, facial expressions, or sounds?
The strong emotional connection between a child and caregiver is called this.
What is attachment?
A baby reaches for a toy, grabs it, and holds it. Which developmental area is MOST obvious?
What is physical development?
A child learning to make friends and interact with others is developing in this area.
What is social development?
A child grabs a toy phone and pretends to call someone, talks in short sentences, runs across the room, and is learning how to take turns. Which age group are you looking at?
What is 24–36 months?
A baby repeatedly makes sounds such as “ba-ba” while playing. What is this called?
What is babbling?
A baby becomes upset when their caregiver leaves but calms down when the caregiver returns. What does this show?
What is attachment?
A baby makes sounds while looking at a caregiver. Which developmental area is MOST obvious?
What is language/communication?
A child learning to recognize and express feelings is developing in this area.
What is emotional development?
During center time, a child tells a friend about their weekend, cuts paper with scissors, follows several directions, and joins other children in pretend play. Which age group matches these skills?
What is 36–48 months?
A baby points toward a toy while looking at their caregiver because they want the toy. What is the baby demonstrating?
What is nonverbal communication?
A baby watches their caregiver's facial expression to decide whether something is safe. What social-emotional skill is being demonstrated?
What is social referencing?
A baby sees a familiar caregiver and smiles, reaches toward them, and becomes excited. Which area is MOST obvious?
What is social-emotional development?
A baby reaches for a toy, makes sounds, explores the toy, and smiles at a caregiver. How many developmental areas could be involved?
What is multiple developmental areas?
A child can tell a story with details, recognize some letters and numbers, follow classroom routines, take turns with friends, and complete many activities independently. Which age group would you check?
What is 48–60 months?
Why is talking, singing, and responding to babies important for language development?
What is it gives babies opportunities to hear and practice communication?
A caregiver consistently responds to a baby's needs and provides comfort. How can this support the baby's development?
What is building trust and a secure relationship?
A baby crawls toward a toy, picks it up, explores it, makes sounds, and smiles at their caregiver. Identify at least three developmental areas being demonstrated.
What are physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development?