North Carolina Early Learning and Development Progressions: Birth to Five

Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Emotional and Social Development (ESD)

Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self with Others

Goal: Children form relationships and interact positively with familiar adults who are consistent and responsive to their needs.

Skill Progression: Separation

Age: 10-12 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 10-12 Months.

Moves away from adult, but maintains eye contact

Situations for Observation of Skill

Observe the child playing when the toys are not near the adult.

Elicitation Strategy

Have the adult place the infant on the floor at her feet. Shake a toy or bring the child’s attention to the toys if she doesn’t notice them.

Behavior Observed

The infant moves to the toys. Once playing, the infant will look toward the adult to “check-in” and make sure she is still there.

Routines-based Intervention (Embedded Instruction)

Encourage early childhood educators and parents to place toys a distance away from them to encourage the child to start to feel comfortable moving away. The adult can talk to the child and encourage this exploration. When the child visually checks in and sees that the adult is happy with his play, it builds confidence.

 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015

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