early childhood indicators of progress: minnesota's early...

EARLYCHILDHOODINDICATORSOF PROGRESS: Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards

A framework for understanding and communicating a common setof developmentally appropriate expectations for children in the preschool period of ages three tofive, presented within a context ofshared responsibility and accountability for helping childrenmeet these expectations

FAMILY MEMBERS TEACHERS AND CAREGIVERS COMMUNITY MEMBERS POLICYMAKERS

2005

BACKGROUND AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota's Early Learning Standards (2005) is a projectof the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services(DHS). The first edition was printed under the title Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: AResource Guide in 2000 by the former Minnesota Department of Children, Families & Learning. AnEarly Childhood Indicators of Progress Task Force that included early childhood practitioners andmembers of the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MNAEYC) and the Min-nesota Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (MAECTE) developed it. It was widelyreviewed at that time by many individuals representing a diversity of early childhood education andcare programs.

This 2005 revision was drafted by an interagency committee working with early childhood consultantGail Roberts and included: Lisa Backer, MDE, Early Childhood Special EducationKaren Carlson, MDE, Early Learning ServicesBetty Cooke, MDE, Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Family EducationJoAnn Enos, DHS, Child Development ServicesBarbara O'Sullivan, MDE, Early Childhood Education/School ReadinessDebbykay Peterson, MDE, Early Childhood Screening/KindergartenSandy Simar, MDE, Head Start CollaborationDeb Swenson-Klatt, DHS, Child Development ServicesNancy Wallace, early childhood education consultant and author of the first edition/St. Francis PublicSchoolsThe following members of the original Early Childhood Indicators of Progress Task Force received therevised draft to review:

Sharon Bahe, St. Paul Public SchoolsSandra Benson, St. Francis Public SchoolsDenise Bryant, Child CareMarilee Christensen-Adams, Anoka-Hennepin Public SchoolsLois Engstrom, MDE, RetiredLinda Frost, Mankato Public SchoolsLynn Galle, University of Minnesota, Twin CitiesDan Gartrell, Bemidji State UniversitySharon Henry-Blythe, Greater Minneapolis Day Care AssociationMary Jo Hensel, Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial School DistrictGretchen Irvine, Augsburg CollegeMargie McMahon, White Bear Lake Public SchoolsNancy Penn, St. Peter Public SchoolsAnita Segador Beaton, Metropolitan State UniversityMelissa Shamblott, St. Paul Public SchoolsKathy Simonson, Elk River Public SchoolsVicki Thrasher Cronin, Ready4K

The revised draft was also provided electronically for review and feedback on statewide list servesreaching hundreds of administrators, teachers, and caregivers in the following Minnesota early child-hood education and care programs:

Child Care Centers/Family Child Care/Tribal Child CareChild Care Resource and Referral Early Childhood Family EducationEarly Childhood ScreeningEarly Childhood Special Education/Part CHead StartSchool Readiness

Members of MNAEYC and MAECTE also reviewed it, and MNAEYC passed a resolution in support of it.

Feedback was carefully reviewed by the interagency committee and incorporated into this final edition.The support and contributions of members from the early childhood education associations, staff fromearly childhood education and care programs, and many others who reviewed and provided feedbackon this document are gratefully acknowledged.


Introduction 1Potential Uses 4Organization and Structure of Document 10Early Childhood Indicators of Progress Domain Framework 11Social and Emotional Development 13

Emotional Development 14Self-Concept 16Social Competence and Relationships 18

Approaches to Learning 19Curiosity 20Risk-Taking 22Imagination and Invention 24Persistence 26Reflection and Interpretation 28

Language and Literacy Development 29Listening 30Speaking 32Emergent Reading 34Emergent Writing 36

Creativity and the Arts 37Creating 38Responding 40Evaluating 42

Cognitive Development 43Mathematical and Logical Thinking 44Scientific Thinking and Problem-Solving 46Social Systems Understanding 48

Physical and Motor Development 49Gross Motor Development 50Fine Motor Development 52Physical Health and Well-Being 54

Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards 55

Reference List 58Additional Resources 60

TABLE OF CONTENTS


A large and growing body of researchsupports the critical relationshipbetween early childhood experiencesand successful learning outcomes.The responsibility for providing sup-port systems and resources thatresult in positive outcomes for youngchildren is a shared one. Families,early childhood teachers and care-givers, community members, and pol-icymakers all contribute to the well-being of children.

The Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress document recognizes theimportance of this shared responsibili-ty and accountability in order toachieve positive outcomes for chil-dren. This document stresses theimportance of collective efforts amongfamilies, early childhood educationand care, communities, and policy-makers in supporting the learning anddevelopment of children. The effortsof each and every one of thesegroups are vital in the process ofdeveloping healthy, well-functioningchildren.

The primary purpose of this docu-ment is to provide a framework forunderstanding and communicating acommon set of developmentallyappropriate expectations for youngchildren within a context of sharedresponsibility and accountability forhelping children meet these expecta-tions.

The document was developed withfive goals in mind:

1. To increase understanding of all areas of a child's development and to recommend strategies for supporting optimum development.

2. To expand understanding of the multiple influences on the education and life success of young children.

3. To support families by providing examples of strategies that facilitate and enhance children's development.

4. To provide teachers, caregivers, and administrators in early childhood education and care programs and settings with a common conceptual framework and guidelines for planning curriculum, instruction, and assessment of young children.

5. To provide a resource for community members and policymakers to use in assessing the impact of current policies and resources on the optimal development of young children.

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE

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These goals are consistent withreports from several national groupsstudying the development of state-level early learning standards(NAEYC & NAECS/SDE, 2002; Scott-Little, Kagan, & Frelow, 2003a;Shore, Bodrova, & Leong, 2004).Early learning standards expressshared expectations for young chil-dren's learning and provide a com-mon language for measuringprogress toward achieving thesegoals (Kendall, 2003; Kagan & Scott-Little, 2004). Research emphasizesthe importance of brain developmentand the early years for later develop-ment and learning (Shonkoff &Phillips, 2000; Hyson, 2003).Researchers have concluded that"Young children are more capablelearners than current practices reflect,and good educational experiences inthe preschool years can have a posi-tive impact on school learning" (Bow-man, Donovan, & Burns, 2000, p.2).

The Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress document is divided into sixdomains that reflect the full range ofchild development as recommendedby national guidelines (Kagan, Moore,& Bredekamp, 1995):

Social and Emotional Development

Approaches to Learning Language and Literacy

Development Creativity and the Arts Cognitive Development Physical and Motor Development

Each domain is further divided intothree to five components that designate areas of children's development within each domain.Indicators of children's progress ingaining concepts, knowledge, andskills within each component are then specified.

The Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress were initially written in 2000and have been systematicallyreviewed and revised using recentlydeveloped guidelines related to childoutcome standards (NAEYC &NAECS/SDE, 2002; Shore, Bodrova,& Leong, 2004). The following criteria,based on national reviews (Scott-Lit-tle, Kagan, & Frelow, 2003b, 2003c;Neuman & Roskos, 2004), were usedfor the inclusion of specific indicators:

1. Research-based - Indicators are reasonably achievable and age-appropriate.

2. Clearly written - Indicators are clear and coherent as to what preschool-age children should know and be able to do.

3. Measurable - Indicators reflect observable behaviors, concepts, and skills.

4. Comprehensive - Indicators cover all domains of development and provide sufficient breadth and depth of each area of development.

5. Manageable - There are a reasonable number of indicators ineach domain to comprehend.

6. Applicable - Indicators are broadly applicable to children from diverse linguistic, economic, and cultural backgrounds and to children with variations in developmental needs and abilities in different early childhood settings.

Strategies that family members andteachers and caregivers in earlychildhood education and care pro-grams and settings can use to facili-tate children's development are listedfor each component. The strategiesfor family members and teachers andcaregivers are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather provide suggest-ed learning activities to enhance children's development.

ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE

Strategies community members andpolicymakers can use to promote andsupport children's development arealso included for each domain. Thesestrategies for community membersand policymakers are repeated foreach component within a domain.

The early childhood period of growthand development spans the yearsfrom birth to age eight (Bredekamp &Copple, 1997). The Early ChildhoodIndicators of Progress are intendedas a guide for children in the pre-school period of ages three to five.The indicators are based on widelyheld developmental expectationsobserved in a child at approximatelyfour years of age. It is expected thatmost children will meet the majority ofthese expectations by the end of thepre-kindergarten year. Because nor-mal development varies greatly fromchild to child, the Early ChildhoodIndicators of Progress document isintended to be used as a flexibleguide in describing a child's individualprogress.

Child development progresses differ-ently for every individual child. Chil-dren are influenced by their distinctexperiences with the diverse valuesand practices of their family, their cul-ture, and their community (NationalAssociation for the Education ofYoung Children, 1996). For thesereasons, although children develop ingenerally similar stages, their individ-ual life experiences are reflected ingreatly diverse patterns of behaviorand learning. Such individual differ-ences are normal and must berespected in order for children tomaintain a sense of self-worth.

THE EARLY CHILDHOODDEVELOPMENTAL PERIOD

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The Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress are written intentionally toinclude both typically and atypicallydeveloping children. Children with dis-abilities will make progress on theknowledge, concepts, and skills thatare described by the indicators, withexpected variations for each child.Recommendations for serving chil-dren with special needs in inclusiveearly childhood settings are reflectedin the suggested learning strategies(Sandall, McLean, & Smith, 2000).

The development of Minnesota'sEarly Childhood Indicators ofProgress was informed by the follow-ing Guiding Principles, which arebased on child developmentresearch:

Young children are capable and competent.

Development occurs in predictable patterns.

Children are individuals who develop at different rates.

Many factors influence a child's development.

Children exhibit a range of skills and competencies within any domain of development.

Expectations for children must be guided by knowledge of child growth and development.

Young children learn through play, interaction with others, and active exploration of their environment.

Families are children's first and most important caregivers and educators.

The Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress: Minnesota's Early LearningStandards provide a unique approachin the movement toward increasedaccountability. Especially at the earlychildhood level, children's develop-ment must be considered within thecontext of the family, early childhoodeducation and care, and the commu-nity. These systems, along with poli-cymakers, share a role in beingaccountable for the optimal develop-ment of young children. The EarlyChildhood Indicators of Progressunderscore the importance of sharedresponsibility and shared accountabil-ity for optimal development in termsof both learning opportunities andoutcomes for children. By emphasiz-ing the necessity for collaborationamong families, early childhood edu-cation and care, communities, andpolicymakers, this document sug-gests that everyone must worktogether. This must be done in aninterdependent way if all children areto have optimal opportunities forlearning and development. Underlyingthis work is the belief that only whenall stakeholders are both individuallyand collectively responsible andaccountable for the learning anddevelopment of young children will allof Minnesota's children experienceand achieve success.

A NEW APPROACH

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EARLYCHILDHOODINDICATORSOF PROGRESS:

Minnesota’s EarlyLearning Standards

POTENTIAL USESThe Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress: Minnesota's Early LearningStandards is to be used as a resourcefor family members, teachers andcaregivers, community members, andpolicymakers in ways that are sup-portive of young children's develop-ment. Since the publication of the firstedition in 2000, many individuals andgroups from across the state haveused the indicator document in manyof the ways described in this section.

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TO BUILD AWARENESS OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT

The Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress can be used to help parentsdevelop new ways of viewing theirchild's development. Many teachersand caregivers have summarized oradapted sections of the document foruse with parents and family members.One way this has been done is todevelop a series of parent tip cards forspecific domains with an emphasis onthe strategies family members canuse to support their child's develop-ment (Minnesota Department of Education, 2004b).

TO INVOLVE FAMILIES IN LEARNING

A high level of family involvement isan indicator of a high quality program.Children benefit when family membersare invited to participate in ongoingcommunication about what is happen-ing in their child's early childhood edu-cation and care through discussionswith caregivers, parent-teacher con-ferences, open houses, parent-childactivity times, parent education, transi-tion-to-kindergarten sessions, and vol-unteer opportunities. Informationabout widely held developmentalexpectations can be shared with par-ents during these times (Meisels,Marsden, & Stetson, 2000). Familieswho are engaged in their child's edu-cation are better able to support theirchild's learning and development(Mueller, 2003).

FOR FAMILY MEMBERS FOR TEACHERSAND CAREGIVERS

TO BUILD AWARENESS OF THE SYSTEMS NEEDED

TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN

Parents are the best advocates fortheir children. This document can beused to make concrete connectionsbetween actions by people and thequality of life for children and families.Parents can use strategies listed inthis document to offer suggestionsand promote various projects andactivities within their communities.The document can also provide guid-ance to parents about what to look foras they choose programs for theiryoung children.

TO GUIDE PLANNING FOR CURRICULUM CONTENT AND TEACHING STRATEGIES

The Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress provide a common frame-work for developmentally appropriateexpectations for children who areapproximately four years of age. It isexpected that most children willaccomplish the majority of the indica-tors by the end of the pre-kindergartenyear. In order to meet this expectation,the indicators can be used as a guidefor planning curriculum content andteaching strategies for children in thepreschool period of ages three to five.

The indicators provide a common lan-guage for use across programs. Acommon language and frameworkfacilitates discussion and collaborationamong home visitors, home-basedcaregivers, school and center-basedstaff, and others. The domains andindicators included are consistent withthe national Head Start Child Out-comes Framework (Head StartBureau, 2003). The use of the indica-tors can help programs align curricu-lum, instruction, and assessment withboth state and national outcome stan-dards and guidelines (NAEYC &NAECS/SDE, 2003).

Individual teachers and caregiverscan develop curriculum with the indi-cators in mind and plan assessmentappropriate to their setting and relatedto the indicators. Teachers and care-givers can focus their curriculum onsignificant learning experiences tosupport the concepts, knowledge, andskills described by the indicators. Inthis way, teachers and caregivers arenot locked into a set curriculum, butrather can design activities within par-ticular domains that will give childrenopportunities to practice the concepts,knowledge, and skills identified by theindicators.

Each child's culture and languagebackground, developmental level,learning style, and personal interestsmust be taken into account as learn-ing experiences are implemented(Bredekamp & Rosegrant, 1992; Cop-ple, 2003). This approach to curricu-lum supports exploration, innovation,and individualization within a settingas opposed to a prescribed curriculum(Bredekamp & Rosegrant, 1995). Theframework promotes diversity andequity in terms of what children do,how children show what they know,and what constitutes success.

TO PROVIDE DIRECTION FOR AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT

OF YOUNG CHILDRENThe indicators can help teachers andcaregivers define the kinds of thingsyoung children need to know and beable to do. Once those are articulated,teachers and caregivers need to con-sider how to collect evidence of chil-dren's learning through authenticassessment.

Authentic assessment practices arethose that are based on everydaylearning experiences, provide for actu-al child performance, and involve chil-dren in the evaluation process(NAEYC & NAECS/SDE, 2003; San-tos, 2004; McAfee, Leong, & Bodrova,2004). Authentic assessment methodsfor children should meet these criteria:

Fair to all cultures, language groups, and developmental levels

Reflect real-world classroom or family contexts

Tied to children's daily activities and assess children's actual performance

Done in natural settings and situations that are non-threateningto the child

Inclusive of families and responsiveto cultural and linguistic variations

Use multiple sources of informationon multiple occasions

Insure continuity and consistency over time

Supported by ongoing professional development to ensure skilled observation and assessment

In addition, assessment should bringabout benefits for children, be con-nected to specific purposes, and valueparents as sources and audiences forassessment (Shepard, Kagan, &Wurtz, 1998).

Components of authentic assessmentinclude: observation, observationchecklists, rating scales, portfolios,and summary reports. These compo-nents may be used individually or incombination depending upon thedesired purposes of the assessmentinformation. Observation includes thegathering and recording of informationby noting facts or occurrences of chil-dren's skills, abilities, and behaviors(Jablon, Dombro, & Dichtelmiller,1999). Observational checklists, whencombined with observation notes andsamples of children's work, providereliable ways to understand growthand development of skills and behav-iors over time (Helm, Beneke, &Steinheimer, 1998).

One of the primary purposes ofassessment is to inform instructionand help teachers and caregiversmake decisions concerning children'ssubsequent learning experiences. Inthat way, a continuous cycle of plan-ning, implementing, and evaluatingchildren's learning experiences helpsensure that children are challengedappropriately to develop the concepts,knoweldge, and skills needed to reachtheir full potential.

Examples of authentic assessmentsinclude the Work Sampling System ofChild Assessment, the Child Observa-tion Record, and the Creative Curricu-lum Assessment System. The WorkSampling System is a curriculum-embedded, teacher-guided assess-ment that emphasizes the collection ofmultiple sources of documentationover time. The system involves thechild, family, teacher, or caregiver inthe ongoing process of assessmentand reporting (Meisels & Atkins-Bur-nett, 2002; Dichtelmiller, Jablon, Dorf-man, Marsden, & Meisels, 2001).

The Child Observation Record (COR)evaluates children's behavior duringnormal learning activities and assess-es broad areas of child development.Teachers and caregivers use theobservational records to report to fam-ilies and to create individual plans forchildren (Schweinhart, 1993;High/Scope, 1992).

The Creative Curriculum approachuses an assessment that includesteacher or caregiver observations anda checklist based on a developmentalcontinuum. This approach empha-sizes the integration of curriculum andassessment through teacher or care-giver planning and implementation.Parents are involved through confer-ences and the sharing of reports(Dodge, Colker, & Heroman, 2002).

TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR PROGRAM STANDARDS AND PROGRAM EVALUATION

Staff within early childhood educationand care programs and settings canuse the Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress to frame questions for meet-ing program standards and conduct-ing program evaluation. High qualityprogramming provides opportunitiesthat support each child's developmen-tal stage and need to engage in play,exploration, and active learning.

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A first set of questions centers on thetypes of resources, activities, andlearning experiences provided. Therequirements for the services childrenreceive are generally referred to asprogram standards. Program stan-dards provide criteria for importantprogram features such as adult-childratios, group sizes, teacher or caregiv-er qualifications, and curriculum(Scott-Little, Kagan, & Frelow, 2003a).Four major variables that impactdesired program outcomes are thelearning environment, interpersonalrelationships, daily schedules and rou-tine, and materials and activities(Harms, Clifford, & Cryer, 1998).These components interact to supportthe desired learning opportunities andoutcomes for children. The best pro-gramming considers all of these vari-ables when planning, teaching, andevaluating effectiveness.

The Head Start Program PerformanceStandards provide a sound foundationfor achieving positive child outcomes(Head Start Bureau, 2004). The HeadStart Program Performance Stan-dards provide for all aspects of earlychildhood development, health servic-es, family and community partner-ships, and program design and man-agement. Child outcome informationfor groups of children becomes part ofthe data used to determine how wellprograms are doing in meeting overallgoals and objectives.

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Accreditation processes such asthose established by the NationalAssociation for the Education ofYoung Children (NAEYC) and theNational Association of Family ChildCare (NAFCC) help assure that highquality standards are present. TheNAEYC program standards specifyten areas for program evaluation:relationships, curriculum, teaching,assessment, health, teachers, familyinvolvement, community partner-ships, physical environment, andleadership and management(National Association for the Educa-tion of Young Children, 2004). Spe-cific indicators in each of these tenareas are assessed as part of theaccreditation procedures. TheNAFCC process sets and assessesstandards for health, safety, andpersonal and professional develop-ment for family child care providers(National Association of FamilyChild Care, 1999).

A second set of questions aboutprogram evaluation focuses on theactions staff take as they interactwith other groups and programswithin the community. Theseinquiries lead to information aboutlinkages to other agencies or programs and the development ofcommon goals and expectations forchildren in the community.

TO PROVIDE IDEAS FOR STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Teachers and caregivers can benefitnot only from a concise frameworkof child development as provided inthis document, but also from anunderstanding of how what they doin early childhood settings impactschild outcomes and school readi-ness. A related document, Minneso-ta Core Competencies, defines corecompetencies for teachers and care-givers who work with young children(Minnesota Association for the Edu-cation of Young Children, 2004).The Core Competencies describeexpectations for what the adults who

work with young children need toknow and be able to do, similar tothe way these early learning stan-dards, the Early Childhood Indica-tors of Progress, describe expecta-tions for what young children needto know and be able to do. Teachersand caregivers can identify anynumber of areas in the Early Child-hood Indicators of Progress andCore Competencies documentswhere they may need further infor-mation and training. Some of theseareas could include authenticassessment, curriculum develop-ment, teaching strategies and bestpractices in instruction, and programevaluation. They might also includeadvocacy with the community andwith policymakers, communicationwith parents, and parent educationand involvement.

Many of the institutions of highereducation in Minnesota also use theEarly Childhood Indicators ofProgress to help ensure that teach-ers and caregivers enrolled in earlychildhood education and relatedcourses understand these widelyheld developmental expectations foryoung children and the implicationsfor curriculum, instruction, andassessment.

TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

The Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress can serve as a guide foridentifying the sources of supportwithin the community that encour-age the healthy growth and develop-ment of young children. Communityresources such as early childhoodcenters, family child care homes,playgrounds, libraries, recreationalcenters, and elementary schools allwork together to contribute to chil-dren's development (National Asso-ciation of State Boards of Education,1991).

Business leaders and employers arekey players in helping communitiesfocus on the importance of earlychildhood education and care for thefuture economic development of thecommunity (Committee for Econom-ic Development Research and Poli-cy Committee, 2002; Rolnick &Grunewald, 2003). Communitymembers can also use county-by-county information on key indicatorsto assess how well their local com-munity is doing in providing opportu-nities for the healthy development ofyoung children (Kids Count, 2004).

TO HELP ORGANIZE ADVOCACY EFFORTS

WITHIN THE COMMUNITYThis document can be useful inhelping various groups see the con-tinuity of their efforts across homeand program settings where thereare young children. This documentprovides concrete connectionsbetween healthy child developmentand access to resources within thecommunity. Community membersand policymakers can help assurethe optimal learning and develop-ment of young children by making acommitment to support early child-hood education and care efforts(Child Trends, 2001; Committee forEconomic Development Researchand Policy Committee, 2002). Com-munities can support and strengthenthe resources available to supportfamilies with young children andbuild stronger connections amongthe various programs and servicesthat impact children's lives.

TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC POLICIES ON YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

Policymakers can use the EarlyChildhood Indicators of Progress asa reference for assessing the impactof policy decisions on the lives ofchildren and their families. By pro-viding consistent and reliable sup-port and resources to families, alarger proportion of families withyoung children can participate inopportunities that enhance learningand development. Prevention andearly intervention efforts to makesure that all children get a strongand healthy start help reduce thelikelihood that children will needmore intensive and costly help at alater age (Sandall, McLean, &Smith, 2000; Rolnick & Grunewald,2003).

There are a number of ways toassess public policies and impacts.State-level evaluation studies haveassessed the readiness of childrenfor school (Minnesota Department ofEducation, 2003 & 2004a). Otherapproaches provide ongoingassessment, such as the state-by-state profiles of child well-being pre-pared annually and reported in theKids Count Data Book (Annie E.Casey Foundation, 2004).

FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

FOR POLICYMAKERS

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TO IMPROVE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF

APPROPRIATE EXPECTATIONS,ACCOUNTABILITY,

AND RESPONSIBILITYThe Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress enhance understanding ofwidely held developmental expecta-tions for young children from three tofive years of age, along with the typesof activities that provide meaningfullearning experiences. Appropriateways of documenting and assessingthe performance and progress ofyoung children should also be consid-ered (Shore, Bodrova, & Leong,2004). The document provides acomprehensive framework for sharedaccountability and responsibility forchildren's development.

Because a child's first and mostimportant learning occurs in the con-text of the family, it is essential thatfamilies have the supports andresources needed to help their chil-dren develop in optimal ways. Fami-lies are better able to care for, nurture,and help their children succeed ifearly childhood teachers and care-givers, community members, and poli-cymakers share in the collective com-mitment to foster healthy developmentof all young children.

CONCLUSION

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EARLYCHILDHOODINDICATORSOF PROGRESS:

Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards

The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Early Learning Stan-dards are intended to provide a framework for understanding and communicat-ing a common set of developmentally appropriate expectations for young chil-dren within a context of shared responsibility and accountability for helping chil-dren meet these expectations. It is divided into six domains that reflect the fullrange of child development as listed in the center box below:

Each domain is further divided into three to five components that describe indi-cators of children’s progress in gaining concepts, knowledge, and skills. (Seedomain components on next page.) Strategies family members and teachersand caregivers in early childhood education and care programs can use to faci-itate children’s development are listed for each component. The lists of strate-gies for family members and teachers and caregivers are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather provide suggested learning activities for enhancing chil-dren’s development. Strategies community members and policymakers can useto promote children’s development are also included for each domain. Thestrategies for community members and policymakers are repeated for eachcomponent within a domain.

The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress are intended to be used as a guidefor children in the preschool period of ages 3 to 5. The indicators are based onwidely held developmental expectations observed in a child approximately fouryears of age. It is expected that most children will meet the majority of theseexpectations by the end of the pre-kindergarten year. Because normal develop-ment varies greatly from child to child, the Early Childhood Indicators ofProgress document is intended to be a flexible guide in describing a child’s individual progress.

Organization and Structureof Document


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Early Childhood

OMAINS: SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

OMAIN OMPONENTS:

Emotional Development

Self-Concept

Social Competenceand Relationships

D

DC

Indicators of Progress Domain Framework

Curiosity

Risk-Taking

Imagination andInvention

Persistence

Reflection andInterpretation

Mathematical andLogical Thinking

- Number Conceptsand Operations

- Patterns andRelationships

- Spatial Relationships/Geometry

- Measurement - Mathematical

Reasoning

Scientific Thinkingand Problem-Solving

- Observing- Questioning- Investigating

Social SystemsUnderstanding

- Human Relationships- Understanding the

World

Listening

Speaking

Emergent Reading

Emergent Writing

Creating

Responding

Evaluating

Gross MotorDevelopment

Fine MotorDevelopment

Physical Healthand Well-Being

APPROACHES LANGUAGE & CREATIVITY COGNITIVE PHYSICAL & TO LEARNING LITERACY & THE ARTS DEVELOPMENT MOTOR

DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT

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DOMAIN I:


This domain involves children’sfeelings about themselves, aswell as their interactions andrelationships with peers andadults. Included in this focusare indicators that refer to children’s views of themselvesas learners and their sense ofresponsibility to themselvesand others. Particularly important in this domain are the skills children demonstratemaking friends, solving conflicts, and functioning effectively in groups.

Respond to children’s emotional and physicalneeds with warmth and reassuranceEstablish predictable family routines while being flexible to meet children’s needs

Encourage children to talk about their feelings and the feelings of others

Positively reinforce children in coping constructively with frustration and conflict

Model appropriate conflict resolution strategies both verbally and nonverbally

Provide children with practice in thinking of solutions and anticipating consequences

Help children identify and understand emotions they feel

Establish warm, caring, engaged relationships with each childRespond predictably and appropriately tochildren’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs

Provide physical environments, schedules, androutines that promote self-control and self-regulation

Model appropriate verbal and non-verbal conflict management strategies

Provide opportunities for children to practiceeffective stress-reduction strategies

Provide opportunities for children to understandand discuss their feelings and those of others(i.e., show empathy)

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1. Demonstrate increasing competency in recognizing and describing own emotions

2. Demonstrate increasing use of words instead of actions to express emotions

3. Begin to understand and respond to others' emotions4. Begin to show self-regulation to handle emotions appropriately5. Explore a wide range of emotions in different ways (e.g., through

play, art, music, dance)6. Respond to praise, limits, and correction

* These indicators apply to children in the preschool period ofages three to five. They are based on expectations for children approximately four years of age.

Acknowledge the importance of social and emotional development and its relationship to overall learningDesign strategies for Minnesota to become a model for family-friendly policy development

Promote high-quality, developmentallyand culturally appropriate early childhood education and care

Ensure linkages between early childhoodeducation and care services and health, mentalhealth, and social services for young childrenand their families

Support high standards for early childhoodeducators and caregivers

Promote parent education opportunities to help parents understand the importance of parenting skills related to healthy social and emotional development

Create community opportunities for childrenand families that encourage positive social andemotional developmentSupport community initiatives that promote thehealthy development of children

Acknowledge the importance of personal andcultural identity and social development as thefoundation for learning

Provide opportunities for parents to learn andpractice strategies for supporting healthy socialand emotional development of their children

Provide service opportunities for families andchildren to contribute to the community inmeaningful ways

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DOMAIN I:


Provide children with warm, loving relationshipsWatch for children’s interests and suggest activities to support them

Encourage child to try new things by sharingand learning together

Support children’s awareness of and pride intheir cultural heritage

Allow children to experiment with their growingcompetence and independenceProvide opportunities for children’s exposureto a wide variety of materials and experiences

Provide ample time throughout the day for children’s active engagement, exploration, andexperimentation with materials

Demonstrate respect for individuals and groups of people

Support children’s developing understanding oftheir gender and cultural identity

Provide opportunities for children to learn abouttheir own culture and the culture of others

Model self-confidence in interactions withchildren and others

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Create community opportunities for children and families that encourage positive social and emotional developmentSupport community initiatives that promote thehealthy development of children

Acknowledge the importance of personal andcultural identity and social development asthe foundation for learning


Provide service opportunities for families andchildren to contribute to the community inmeaningful ways.






1. Begin to experiment with own potential and show confidence in own abilities

2. Demonstrate increasing self-direction and independence3. Develop an awareness of self as having certain abilities,

characteristics, and preferences4. Begin to develop awareness, knowledge, and acceptance of

own gender and cultural identity


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DOMAIN I:


Help children practice listening and talkingHelp children understand and appreciatesimilarities and differences among people

Provide children the opportunity to know andunderstand their culture and the culture of others

Help children develop understanding of thefeelings, ideas, and actions of others

Model positive ways to interact with others Use peaceful conflict resolution strategies Encourage children to help others

Provide opportunities for children to practicelistening and talking with othersProvide opportunities for children to interact withothers with similar and different characteristics

Provide experiences to teach respect and appreciation for own culture and the cultureof others

Plan activities that build a sense of belongingand community with children

Provide opportunities for children to developunderstanding of the feelings, ideas, andactions of others

Encourage children’s understanding of others’rights and privileges

Provide information, opportunities, and supportto help children develop constructive conflictmanagement strategies

17


Create community opportunities for children and families that encourage positive social and emotional developmentSupport community initiatives that promote thehealthy development of children

Acknowledge the importance of personal andcultural identity and social development asthe foundation for learning


Provide service opportunities for families andchildren to contribute to the community inmeaningful ways.






1. Interact easily with one or more children2. Interact easily with familiar adults3. Approach others with expectations of positive interactions4. Begin to participate successfully as a member of a group5. Use play to explore, practice, and understand social roles

and relationships6. Begin to understand others' rights and privileges7. Sustain interaction by cooperating, helping, sharing, and

expressing interest8. Seek adult help when needed for emotional support, physical

assistance, social interaction, and approval9. Use words and other constructive strategies to resolve conflicts


18

DOMAIN II:

Approaches to Learning

This domain emphasizes theattitudes, behaviors, and learning styles children use insocial situations and in acquiring information. Goals for children are not limited tothe acquisition of knowledge,understanding, and skills, butalso address the developmentof positive attitudes and dispositions.

Encourage children’s interest and excitement in discovery and explorationShare activities and experiences where childrenand adults learn new things together

Encourage children to make choices in materialsand activities

Plan family outings to interesting places suchas parks, markets, and museums

Provide a variety of materials and activities inthe home environment

Help children learn about and explore theirneighborhood and community

Share children’s excitement in discoveries,exploration, and manipulation of items in theenvironmentProvide opportunities and time for children toexplore a variety of activities and materialsincluding those in their larger communityenvironment

Identify and build upon children’s individualideas and interests

Provide a variety of instructional approaches/strategies/materials that appeal to both gendersand to the full range of learning styles, cultures,and ability levels of children

Provide a variety and an appropriate amountof learning activities

Model curiosity and information-seeking

19

Provide a variety of environments and activitiesappropriate for families with young children(e.g. parks, libraries, open-ended “adventureplaygrounds”, festivals, and celebrations)Provide safe community environments andactivities that allow freedom to explore and learn

Provide appropriate and equitable access to media resources

Provide opportunities for families to participate insolving community problems or issues

Encourage cooperation and collaboration acrosssystems that impact environments and activitiesfor families with young childrenEnsure accessible and affordable environmentsand activities for families with young children

Support the development of children and base decisions on developmental needs of the whole child

Support appropriate use of and equitable access to media resources

1. Show eagerness and a sense of wonder as a learner2. Show interest in discovering and learning new things


20

DOMAIN II:


Encourage children to try new things and solveproblems creativelyRespond positively to mistakes or errors

Introduce everyday household materials andtoys that can be used in more than one way

Monitor children’s use of media includingtelevision, video/DVD, and computer

Provide opportunities for children to try newactivities and experiencesRecognize and plan for children’s individualdifferences and diverse ways of learning

Create environments that offer an appropriateamount of stimulation for children using awide variety of equipment and materials

Facilitate and manage children’s use of media including television, video/DVD, and computer

21




Provide opportunities for families to participatein solving community problems or issues


Support the development of children andbase decisions on developmental needsof the whole child


1. Choose new as well as a variety of familiar activities2. Use a variety of strategies to solve problems


22

DOMAIN II:


Provide opportunities for children to experimentwith new materials and activities without fearof making mistakesProvide a variety of familiar and new materialsand activities for children to explore

Encourage children to try new approaches tosolving problems

Encourage pretend and make-believe play

Provide an environment of psychological safetywhere children are encouraged to experimentwithout fear of making mistakesProvide tasks in which the goal is trying differentstrategies or solutions rather than right or wrong answers

Model exploration and use of a wide variety offamiliar and new learning materials and activities

Encourage children’s demonstration of flexibilityand inventiveness in play and problem-solving

23








1. Approach tasks and experiences with flexibility, imagination, and inventiveness

2. Use new ways or novel strategies to solve problems or explore objects

3. Try out various pretend roles in play or with make-believe objects


24

DOMAIN II:


Provide places and times where children can play or work at tasks without interruptionsProvide age-appropriate materials and activities

Respond to children’s requests when help isneeded without being intrusive

Encourage chidren’s attention and persistenceat tasks

Provide sufficient time for children to engage in sustained activities Support children’s efforts to complete activitiesand projects

Arrange the classroom to limit environmentaldistractions

Follow the child’s lead in timing of suggestionsand interventions when problems are encountered

Be available and respond to children whenthey encounter problems without being intrusive

25








1. Work at a task despite distractions or interruptions2. Seek and/or accept help or information when needed3. Demonstrate ability to complete a task or stay engaged in

an experience


26

DOMAIN II:


Encourage children to share their thoughts andideas about the world around themAsk questions that will encourage children tothink about what they have seen, heard, anddone

Model thinking “out loud” and talk about ideaswith children

Involve children in planning family activitiessuch as vacations or trips to the library ormuseum

Provide opportunities for children to expresstheir thoughts and feelings about experiencesthrough a variety of methods (e.g., discussion,conversation, journaling, art activities, music, etc.)Allow children time to process experiences andinformation and devise alternatives

Provide opportunities for children to think andtalk about what and how they are learning

Discuss sequencing and timing of experiences(past, present, future, and relationships among them)

27


Provide a variety of environments and activitiesappropriate for families with young children(e.g., parks, libraries, open-ended “adventureplaygrounds”, festivals, and celebrations)Provide safe community environments andactivities that allow freedom to explore and learn






1. Think about events and experiences and apply this knowledge to new situations

2. Generate ideas, suggestions, and/or make predictions

* These indicators apply to children in the preschool period ofages three to five. They are based on expectations for children approximately four years of age

28

DOMAIN III:

Language and Literacy Development

The emphasis of this domain is on acquiring language and literacy for a variety of purposes. During the preschoolperiod, children are learning touse language to communicateneeds, interact socially withothers, and share ideas,thoughts, and feelings. Theyare increasing both their spoken and written languageabilities.

Talk with children using language appropriate to their level of understanding

Encourage children in conversation and noticeand respond to what children say and doUse mealtimes and other daily routines as anopportunity for conversation

Use rhymes and songs with children to increasechildren’s interest in language sounds and words

Engage children in simple tasks that requirean action or verbal response

Provide clear instructions that help children move from simple directions to a more complexsequence of directionsListen and respond to children’s attempts tocommunicate both verbally and non-verbally

Model language for children using questionsand facial expressions to communicate information

Provide time and opportunities for children tohave individual conversations with adultsand other children

29

Provide opportunities for parents and youngchildren to participate in activities togetherDevelop community awareness about the importance of talking and reading with young children

Support volunteer programs that increase thetime adults spend with young children

Provide libraries that are well-supplied with appropriate books for young children

Sponsor community events such as book fairs,plays, and story hours that encourage children and families to read together

Organize book donation drives for child carecenters, Head Start, schools, and other earlychildhood programs

Support efforts to encourage adults to spendmore time with children, listening, speaking, andengaging children in conversation andinteractionSupport small group sizes so teachers, caregivers, and children have opportunities for more individualized time together

Provide support for libraries and books, earlychildhood programs, parent-child programs,and volunteer programs for facilitating literacydevelopment

Support adult and family literacy programs forthe whole family

1. Understand non-verbal and verbal cues2. Listen with understanding to stories, directions, and

conversations3. Follow directions that involve a two or three-step sequence

of actions4. Listen to and recognize different sounds in rhymes and familiar

words


30

DOMAIN III:


Respond to children’s attempts to communicateusing gestures, actions, or wordsTalk with children in home language and/orEnglish and encourage children’s use of homelanguage

Encourage children to discuss and add to storiesread to them

Use language in everyday activities with childrenand talk about their actions, thoughts, and ideas

Provide opportunities for children to talk and interact with other children and adults

Respond to children’s attempts to communicatewhether verbal or non-verbalCommunicate with children using homelanguage with interpreters when necessary

Facilitate language development in homelanguage and/or English (e.g., expand,extend, elaborate language)

Talk about a variety of topics and illustrate waysto use language to ask questions, give answers,make statements, share ideas, or use pretend,fantasy, or word playBuild on children’s interests by introducingnew vocabulary and ideasProvide opportunities for children to engage inturn-taking and dialogue in conversation

31


1. Communicate needs, wants, or thoughts through non-verbal gestures, actions, expressions, and/or words

2. Communicate information using home language and/or English3. Speak clearly enough to be understood in home language

and/or English4. Use language for a variety of purposes5. Use increasingly complex and varied vocabulary and language6. Initiate, ask questions, and respond in conversation with others


32









DOMAIN III:


Read to children often for pleasure andinformationPoint out the names of things, signs, labels,etc., in the neighborhood or store

Make book-reading time special for your child Call attention to books, newspapers, and

magazines in the home Visit a library often and check out books to read Ask children questions about the stories

read together Encourage children to talk about and predict

what will happen next in a story Repeat nursery rhymes and play word games

Provide and share books with children, re-read favorite stories, and model reading behaviorsProvide materials such as flannel board sets,puppets, and other props to act out and retell stories

Provide many types of children’s books,references, pictures, and posters in the environment

Talk about what words mean and write downdictation of children

Help children learn about sequences in bookssuch as beginning, middle, and end

Provide opportunities for children to repeatfamiliar rhymes and experiment with beginningword sounds

33


1. Initiate stories and respond to stories told or read aloud 2. Represent stories told or read aloud through various media or

during play3. Guess what will happen next in a story using pictures as a guide4. Retell information from a story5. Show beginning understanding of concepts about print6. Recognize and name some letters of the alphabet, especially

those in own name7. Begin to associate sounds with words or letters


34


Support volunteer programs that increase the time adults spend with young children







DOMAIN III:


Provide writing materials in the home such aspaper, pencils, crayons, and markersSupport young children’s interest in scribblesand pretend writing

Encourage children to participate in activitiesthat involve reading and writing, such asmaking a grocery list

Use writing to communicate with others witha card or letter

Help children recognize own name and allowchildren to practice writing letters

Provide many opportunities for children to draw and print using markers, crayons, and pencilsProvide a literary-rich environment that includeswriting materials in many areas of the classroom

Promote literacy-related play activities andrespect children’s attempts at writing

Display models of adult and child writing inthe classroom environment

Encourage children’s interest and attempts tocopy or write letters and their own name

35


1. Understand that writing is a way of communicating2. Use scribbles, shapes, pictures, or dictation to represent

thoughts or ideas3. Engage in writing using letter-like symbols to make letters

or words4. Begin to copy or write own name

* These indicators apply to children in the preschool period ofages three to five. They are based on expectations for a children approximately four years of age.

36









DOMAIN IV:

Creativity and the Arts

The emphasis in this domain ison children’s engagement withthe arts both actively andreceptively. The componentareas of creating, responding,and evaluating recognize howusing and appreciating the artsenables children to demonstratewhat they know and allowsthem to expand their thinkingabout creative endeavors.

Provide opportunities to explore and experimentwith a variety of art materials and experiencesParticipate in community arts activities withfamily

Encourage children’s interest in music, creativemovement, and dance

Display children’s artwork at home

Provide opportunities for exploring and experimenting with a variety of materialsand mediaProvide time, materials, and space in multiplemedia (e.g., thinking, visual arts, construction,music, movement)

Provide opportunities for exploration of therelationship of space and objects as well ascolor, balance, and design

Facilitate participation of children in communityart experiences

37

Sponsor community-based arts programs inmusic, drama, movement, and the visual arts for children and familiesProvide resources for all families to supportchildren’s participation in creative expressionand the arts

Exhibit art in public spaces in the community Encourage children and families to participate

in community art events

Develop policies that support creativity and the arts in school-based and community arts programsProvide support for programs for visiting artistsand performers including representatives ofdifferent cultures

Provide support for arts programs

1. Use a variety of media and materials for exploration and creative expression

2. Participate in art and music experiences3. Participate in creative movement, drama, and dance


38

DOMAIN IV:



Show interest in creative and artistic activitiesof your child and othersEncourage awareness and appreciation ofthe arts and creative expression of your ownand other cultural groups

Participate in activities to encourage creativity

Describe, discuss, and accept the process aswell as the product of children’s activities withcreativity and the artsEncourage awareness and appreciation of thearts and creative expression from a varietyof cultures

Encourage participation in a variety of creativeand artistic activities

39

1. Show others and/or talk about what they have made or done

2. Show interest and respect for the creative work of self and others


40






DOMAIN IV:



Encourage children to discuss their own artactivities and the artistic work of othersDiscuss children’s likes and dislikes aboutthe arts and creative expression

Encourage children to respect their work andthe work of others

Attend community arts events and encouragediscussion and reflection

Support the development of personal preferences by giving choices and supportingdiscussions of likes and dislikesMaintain collections of books and recordingsthat represent a variety of media and cultures

Help children develop appreciation for the artsby attending art events, concerts, danceperformances, theatrical performances, andcultural fairs

41

1. Share experiences, ideas, and thoughts about art and creative expression

2. Share opinions about likes and dislikes in art and creative expression


42






DOMAIN V:

Cognitive Development

This domain recognizes thechild’s search for meaning asthe basis for intellectual development. The focus is onchildren’s curiosity about theworld and their ability toacquire, organize, and useinformation in increasinglycomplex ways. The componentareas of this domain aremathematical and logical thinking, scientific thinking andproblem-solving, and socialsystems understanding.

Provide opportunities for children to explorenumber, measurement, and patterns usinghousehold materials and experiencesProvide opportunities for children to count,group, and order household objects and materials

Provide opportunities for conversation usingeveryday words to indicate space, location,shape, and size of objects

Read children’s books together about numbers,counting, shapes, and other concepts

Provide opportunities for children to explore number, measurement, and patterns through developmentally appropriate play and learningProvide opportunities for children to count, group,and order materials through developmentallyappropriate play and learning

Provide opportunities for conversation usingpositional and comparative words related tochildren’s play and activities

Provide opportunities to develop an understandingof space (e.g., filling and emptying, building, observing from different viewpoints)

Discuss the sequence of daily and specialfamily events

Provide opportunities to experience and describe time (e.g., seasons, daily and weeklyevents)

43

Provide toy lending libraries with materials forplay and explorationProvide make-and-take events for parents andchildren to make and share learning materials

Provide accessible, natural spaces for parentsand children to visit and explore

Provide opportunities for children and familiesto work on community service projects

Encourage community leaders and members to become involved with early childhoodprograms

Support peaceful conflict-management andproblem-solving strategies

Recognize the importance of healthy and supportive adult-child relationships in children’scognitive developmentPromote early childhood education and care programs to support children’s cognitive development and readiness for school

Provide resources for safe, natural spaces and places for children and families tovisit and explore

Provide resources for community activitiesand projects that involve children and families

Number Concepts and Operations1. Demonstrate increasing interest in and awareness of numbers

and counting2. Demonstrate understanding of one-to-one correspondence

between objects and number3. Demonstrate ability to count in sequence 4. Demonstrate ability to state the number that comes next

up to 9 or 105. Demonstrate beginning ability to combine and separate

numbers of objectsPatterns and Relationships6. Recognize and duplicate simple patterns7. Sort objects into subgroups by one or two characteristics8. Order or sequence several objects on the basis of one

characteristicSpatial Relationships/Geometry9. Identify and name common shapes10. Use words that show understanding of order and position

of objectsMeasurement11. Recognize objects can be measured by height, length, weight,

and time12. Make comparisons between at least two groups of objectsMathematical Reasoning13. Use simple strategies to solve mathematical problems


44

DOMAIN V:


Take walks in the neighborhood or communityto observe natural objects and eventsHelp children experience the world of nature

Discuss objects and events that have beenobserved indoors and outdoors

Encourage children to ask questions and findanswers through active experimentation

Encourage sand and water play and trygrowing things

Experience the natural world with childrenProvide opportunities to explore naturalobjects and events

Encourage children to experiment and discusswhat they discover

Share information on observations pictorially,verbally, and through other representations

Discuss objects and events that have beenobserved

Encourage children to ask questions and seek answers through active exploration and reflectionon what they learn

Observe nature and make predictions aboutnatural events (e.g., growing seeds, caring foranimals, charting weather)

Encourage and provide materials for a varietyof sensory experiences

45

This domain recognizes thechild’s search for meaning asthe basis for intellectual development. The focus is onchildren’s curiosity about theworld and their ability toacquire, organize, and useinformation in increasinglycomplex ways. The componentareas of this domain aremathematical and logical thinking, scientific thinking andproblem-solving, and socialsystems understanding.

Observing1. Use senses to explore materials and the environment2. Identify and/or describe objects by physical characteristicsQuestioning3. Express wonder about the natural world4. Ask questions and seek answers through active exploration5. Make predictions about objects and natural eventsInvestigating6. Use tools (e.g., magnifying glass, binoculars, maps) for

investigation of the environment7. Make comparisons between objects that have been

collected or observed


46









SOCIAL SYSTEMS UNDERSTANDING:

SYSTEMS UNDERSTANDING:SOCIAL

DOMAIN V:


Help children describe and appreciate their owncharacteristics and those of others in the familyHelp children understand family roles, jobs,rules, and relationships

Discuss family events and relationships withinthe family

Participate as a family in community serviceprojects

Talk about the jobs people do in the community Discuss how people affect the environment Help children recall recent and past events and

relationships about the family Explore and talk about land, water, and other

features in the community Discuss technology used at home and in the

neighborhood

Help children describe and appreciate theirown characteristics and those of othersHelp children understand family roles, jobs,rules, and relationships

Involve children in service-learning and socialaction projects

Invite leaders and workers in the communityto come to the program

Discuss how people have changed theenvironment

Support children’s understanding of recentand past events

Create maps of the school, local area, orneighborhood

Discuss technology used in the classroom

47

This domain recognizes thechild’s search for meaning asthe basis for intellectual development. The focus is onchildren’s curiosity about theworld and their ability toacquire, organize, and useinformation in increasinglycomplex ways. The componentareas of this domain aremathematical and logical thinking, scientific thinking andproblem solving, and socialsystems understanding.

Human Relationships1. Recognize and appreciate similarities and differences between

self and others from diverse backgrounds2. Understand various family roles, jobs, rules, and relationships3. Participate in activities to help others in the communityUnderstanding the World4. Recognize and describe the roles of workers in the community 5. Share responsibility in taking care of their environment6. Begin to recall recent and past events7. Identify characteristics of the places where they live and play

within their community8. Begin to understand the uses of media and technology and

how they affect their lives


48









DOMAIN VI:

Physical and Motor Development

The emphasis in this domain ison physical health and development as an integral partof children’s well-being andability to take advantage of educational opportunities. Thecomponents address grossmotor development, fine motordevelopment, and physicalhealth, nutrition, safety, andself-care.

Support children’s needs to move and be activeProvide opportunities and time for outdoorlarge motor play

Encourage children to learn and practicenew skills

Make physical activity part of everyday life

Acknowledge and support children’s need tomove and be active by planning daily physicalactivityProvide adequate time for children to practice,explore, and expand their motor skills

Support individual variations in gross motordevelopment

Provide space and equipment that allow foroutdoor play and large motor activities thatare fun and challenging

49

Provide parks and recreation programs andactivities that support large motor and smallmotor developmentProvide community health programs for youngchildren and families including immunizationclinics

Provide health education for families of youngchildren

Provide nutrition programs for families withyoung children

Provide child safety education for family andcommunity members

Develop and support prevention and interventionprograms that encourage children’s development

Ensure children’s health and safety needs aremet and intervene when they are not

Provide resources to communities to help meetfine and gross motor development needs of allyoung childrenProvide universal health programs for all youngchildren

Ensure nutrition programs are available to alleligible young children

Support policies that ensure child safety Promote policies that help families meet basic

needs Support early identification and intervention for

health, learning, and development needs Support community-based screening programs

for young children

1. Develop large muscle control and coordination2. Develop body strength, balance, flexibility, and stamina3. Use a variety of equipment for physical development4. Develop ability to move their body in space with coordination


50

DOMAIN VI:


Provide opportunities for manipulation of smallobjects or tools in normal daily activitiesProvide opportunities for play with small manipulative objects and toys (e.g., puzzles,blocks, beads)

Provide opportunities and materials for writingand drawing in the home

Model uses of writing and drawing in everydaytasks

Provide adequate time and appropriate materialsfor small motor, drawing, cutting, and handwriting developmentPlan activities that support the developmentof fine motor skills, with adaptations as needed

Provide a variety of manipulative materialsand activities for play and exploration

Model the use of writing and drawing in everyday activities

51


1. Develop small muscle control and coordination2. Use eye-hand coordination to perform a variety of tasks3. Explore and experiment with a variety of tools (e.g., spoons,

crayons, paintbrushes, scissors, keyboards)


52












for young children

DOMAIN VI:


Secure adequate nutrition for childrenEstablish routines for eating, rest, and bedtime

Ensure adequate exercise and physical activity Take children for regular well-child and dental

examinations Take children for developmental, vision, and

hearing screening Provide safe home and play environments

for children Show children how to take care of personal

care tasks, and help them when necessary(e.g., brushing teeth, wiping nose)

Encourage children to show independence inself-care tasks (e.g., dressing, toileting, washinghands, feeding oneself)

Ensure safety of children through adherenceto state and local regulationsProvide health education for families andchildren

Protect children from abuse and neglect Model health and safety practices during

regular activities Provide time for exercise and physical activity Provide instruction in basic health and safety

rules (e.g., washing hands, covering mouth whencoughing or sneezing, taking care when usingsharp objects)

Encourage children to show independence in self-care tasks (e.g., washing hands, buttoning,fastening zippers, wiping nose)

53


1. Participate in a variety of physical activities to enhance personal health and physical fitness.

2. Follow basic health and safety rules3. Recognize and eat a variety of nutritious foods4. Demonstrate increasing independence with basic self-care skills


54












for young children


EARLY CHILDHOODINDICATORS OFPROGRESS*

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONALDEVELOPMENT

1. Demonstrate increasing competency in recognizing and describing own emotions

2. Demonstrate increasing use of words instead of actions to express emotions

3. Begin to understand and respond to others' emotions

4. Begin to show self-regulation to handle emotions appropriately

5. Explore a wide range of emotions in different ways (e.g., through play, art, music, dance)

6. Respond to praise, limits, and correction

1. Begin to experiment with own potential and show confidence in own abilities

2. Demonstrate increasing self-direction and independence

3. Develop an awareness of self as having certain abilities, characteris-tics, and preferences

4. Begin to develop awareness, knowledge, and acceptance of own gender and cultural identity

SOCIAL COMPETENCEAND RELATIONSHIPS

1. Interact easily with one or morechildren

2. Interact easily with familiar adults3. Approach others with expectations

of positive interactions4. Begin to participate successfully as

a member of a group5. Use play to explore, practice, and

understand social roles and relationships

6. Begin to understand others' rights and privileges

7. Sustain interaction by cooperating, helping, sharing, and expressing interest

8. Seek adult help when needed for emotional support, physical assistance, social interaction, and approval

9. Use words and other constructive strategies to resolve conflicts

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SELF-CONCEPT

55

CURIOSITY1. Show eagerness and a sense of

wonder as a learner2. Show interest in discovering and

learning new things RISK-TAKING1. Choose new as well as a variety of

familiar activities2. Use a variety of strategies to solve

problemsIMAGINATION AND INVENTION1. Approach tasks and experiences

with flexibility, imagination, and inventiveness

2. Use new ways or novel strategies to solve problems or explore objects

3. Try out various pretend roles in play or with make-believe objects

PERSISTENCE1. Work at a task despite distractions

or interruptions2. Seek and/or accept help or infor-

mation when needed3. Demonstrate ability to complete a

task or stay engaged in an experience

REFLECTION AND INTERPRETATION1. Think about events and experi-

ences and apply this knowledge to new situations

2. Generate ideas, suggestions, and/or make predictions

LISTENING1. Understand non-verbal and

verbal cues2. Listen with understanding to stories,

directions, and conversations3. Follow directions that involve a two

or three-step sequence of actions4. Listen to and recognize different

sounds in rhymes and familiar words

SPEAKING1. Communicate needs, wants, or

thoughts through non-verbal gestures, actions, expressions, and/or words

2. Communicate information using home language and/or English

3. Speak clearly enough to be understood in home language and/or English

4. Use language for a variety of purposes

5. Use increasingly complex and varied vocabulary and language

6. Initiate, ask questions, and respond in conversation with others

EMERGENT READING1. Initiate stories and respond to

stories told or read aloud 2. Represent stories told or read aloud

through various media or during play

3. Guess what will happen next in a story using pictures as a guide

4. Retell information from a story5. Show beginning understanding of

concepts about print6. Recognize and name some letters

of the alphabet, especially those in own name

7. Begin to associate sounds with words or letters

EMERGENT WRITING1. Understand that writing is a way of

communicating2. Use scribbles, shapes, pictures, or

dictation to represent thoughts or ideas

3. Engage in writing using letter-like symbols to make letters or words

4. Begin to copy or write own name

CREATING1. Use a variety of media and

materials for exploration and creative expression

2. Participate in art and music experiences

3. Participate in creative movement, drama, and dance

RESPONDING1. Show others and/or talk about

what they have made or done2. Show interest and respect for the

creative work of self and othersEVALUATING1. Share experiences, ideas, and

thoughts about art and creative expression

2. Share opinions about likes and dis-likes in art and creative expression

MATHEMATICAL ANDLOGICAL THINKINGNumber Concepts and Operations1. Demonstrate increasing interest

in and awareness of numbers and counting

2. Demonstrate understanding of one-to-one correspondence between objects and number

3. Demonstrate ability to count in sequence

4. Demonstrate ability to state the number that comes next up to 9 or 10

5. Demonstrate beginning ability to combine and separate numbers of objects

Patterns and Relationships6. Recognize and duplicate simple

patterns7. Sort objects into subgroups by one

or two characteristics8. Order or sequence several objects

on the basis of one characteristicSpatial Relationships/Geometry9. Identify and name common

shapes10. Use words that show understand-

ing of order and position of objectsMeasurement11. Recognize objects can be

measured by height, length, weight, and time

12. Make comparisons between at least two groups of objects

APPROACHES TO LEARNING

LANGUAGE ANDLITERACY DEVELOPMENT

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

CREATIVITY AND THE ARTS

56

Mathematical Reasoning13.Use simple strategies to solve

mathematical problems

SCIENTIFIC THINKING ANDPROBLEM-SOLVINGObserving1. Use senses to explore materials

and the environment2. Identify and/or describe objects by

physical characteristicsQuestioning3. Express wonder about the natural

world4. Ask questions and seek answers

through active exploration5. Make predictions about objects

and natural eventsInvestigating6. Use tools (e.g., magnifying glass,

binoculars, maps) for investigation of the environment

7. Make comparisons between objects that have been collected or observed

SOCIAL SYSTEMSUNDERSTANDINGHuman Relationships1. Recognize and appreciate

similarities and differences between self and others from diverse backgrounds

2. Understand various family roles, jobs, rules, and relationships

3. Participate in activities to help others in the community

Understanding the World4. Recognize and describe the roles

of workers in the community 5. Share responsibility in taking care

of their environment6. Begin to recall recent and past

events7. Identify characteristics of the

places where they live and play within their community

8. Begin to understand the uses of media and technology and how they affect their lives

GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT1. Develop large muscle control and

coordination2. Develop body strength, balance,

flexibility, and stamina3. Use a variety of equipment for

physical development4. Develop ability to move their body

in space with coordination

FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT1. Develop small muscle control and

coordination2. Use eye-hand coordination to

perform a variety of tasks3. Explore and experiment with a

variety of tools (e.g., spoons, crayons, paintbrushes, scissors, keyboards)

PHYSICAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING1. Participate in a variety of physical

activities to enhance personal health and physical fitness

2. Follow basic health and safety rules

3 Recognize and eat a variety of nutritious foods

4. Demonstrate increasing independ-ence with basic self-care skills

* These indicators apply to childrenin the preschool period of ages threeto five. They are based on expecta-tions for children approximately fouryears of age.

PHYSICAL AND MOTORDEVELOPMENT

57

REFERENCE LISTAnnie E. Casey Foundation (2004). Kidscount data book 2004: State profiles ofchild well-being. Baltimore: Annie E.Casey Foundation.

Bowman, B.T., Donovan, M.S., & Burns,M.S. (Eds.) (2000). Eager to learn: Edu-cating our preschoolers. Washington, DC:National Academy Press.

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For further information, contactyour local school district or:Early Learning ServicesMinnesota Department of Education1500 Highway 36 WestRoseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone: 651-582-8200FAX: 651-582-8494TTY: 651-582-8201

http://www.education.state.mn.us

c 2005, State Department of Education andDepartment of Human Services

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