Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Social Connections

Goal: Children identify and demonstrate acceptance of similarities and differences between themselves and others

Skill Progression: Identify and demonstrate acceptance of similarities and differences

Age: 42-48 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 42-48 Months.

Listen to the children’s discussions (especially on field trips) or ask the parents about the child’s observations of others’ differences.

Ask the parent about any comments the child has made that may indicate awareness of individual differences among people.

Most parents report the child’s honest, but embarrassing comments in public places.

Help parents deal with their child’s embarrassing comments by giving them examples of responses. The parent should point out what the child observed (e.g., “Yes, he has something that makes it hard for him to walk. But saying something he can hear may make him feel sad.” Or say, “Yes. That person has dark skin. People have all different shades of skin tone. That color is beautiful, don’t you think?”)