North Carolina Early Learning and Development Progressions: Birth to Five

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

Subdomain: Learning About Feelings

Goal: Children recognize and respond to the needs and feelings of others.

Skill Progression: Recognizes and responds to needs and feelings of others

Age: 10-12 Months

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

Shows initial signs of empathy

Situations for Observation of Skill

Observe the infant’s face during the routines of the day, particularly when an adult is sad, hurt or upset.

Elicitation Strategy

If a natural situation does not arise, the adult can create one. For example, pretend to stub a toe or act sad or sick.

Behavior Observed

The infant’s face may mirror the adults’ expression. She may approach the adult to get picked up.

Routines-based Intervention (Embedded Instruction)

Learning to care for others means learning how others feel. Now as children watch facial expressions they begin to sense the feelings as well. Encourage adults to watch and quickly react to the children’s needs.

 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015

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