| Age | Milestone | Concern | | 36 months | Expresses a range of emotions using a variety of strategies | Displays persistent challenging behaviors (tantrums, screaming, aggression) when upset, frustrated, or sad | | Takes turns in games with peers; will share with adult support | Rarely plays near or with other children; refuses to take turns or share with friends | | 40 months | Increasingly independent with self-care routines (washing hands, getting dressed, brushing teeth) | Completes self-care routines only with significant adult support and prompts; displays difficulty transitioning between daily routines | | Starting to engage in pretend and role play with other children (e.g., you be the mom and I’ll be the baby) | Rarely engages in pretend play with or without peers | | 48 months | Cooperates and shares experiences with other children (e.g., works together toward the same goal, such as building a tall building together or making a sand castle together) | Plays with other children only with significant adult support; shows no interest in interactive games with peers | | Independently negotiates solutions to conflicts with other children | Displays persistent challenging behaviors (tantrums, screaming, aggression) when upset (e.g., with a change in routine or activity) | | 60 months | Identifies his or her friends by name, and tries to please and act like friends | Is extremely aggressive or shy around other children outside of family | | Persists and completes difficult or lengthy tasks | Is easily distracted and gets frustrated with difficult tasks |
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Family Child Care
Social & Emotional Development
Lesson 3
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Social-Emotional Milestones and Concerns by Age
Guide