Developmental Stages and Social/Emotional Milestones

Infancy (0–2 years)
Milestones:

  • Infants development of secure attachment to caregivers.
  • Appearance of basic emotional expressions.
  • Their beginning of self-regulation behaviors.

Classroom Strategies:

  • Teachers can establish consistent routines to provide a sense of security.
  • Educators can also use and provide soothing tones and gentle touch to comfort infants.

Toddlerhood (2–4 years)

Milestones:

  • Toddler shows increased independence and exploration in everything that gets their attention.

  • Toddlers development of empathy and understanding of others' emotions start to become a realization.

  • They start to find a form of self-control and ability to follow simple instructions.

Classroom Strategies:

  • Modeling and labeling emotions to enhance students emotional vocabulary.

  • Implement simple routines and choices to promote autonomy.

Adolescence (12–18 years)

Milestones:

  • As they grow they are forming of a personal identity and self-concept.

  • At this age they are finding deeper empathy and understanding of complex emotions.

  • The capacity for abstract thinking and moral reasoning, continues to increase.

  • Classroom Strategies:

  • Facilitating discussions on identity, values, and future aspirations earning trust.
  • Encouraging involvement in group activities to build social skills, to help find themselves.