Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Approaches to Learning

Other Maine Infant and Toddler Early Learning and Development Standards sets

Engagement and Persistence1

  • 1

    Birth-8 months1.1

    1. 1

      Makes and maintains eye contact while being held for feeding.1.1.1

    2. 2

      Finds ways to bring hand to mouth even when hand is covered by a blanket or clothing.1.1.2

    3. 3

      Tries to reach a toy hanging from a high chair.1.1.3

    4. 4

      Tries to move bottle, cries, or touches adult when bottle is empty.1.1.4

    5. 5

      Begins to look for dropped objects.1.1.5

  • 2

    6-18 months1.2

    1. 1

      Looks out the window for a familiar caregiver to return. 1.2.1

    2. 2

      Uses several different ways to get a toy when it’s out of reach.1.2.2

    3. 3

      Reaches for caregiver’s hands to continue game/song:1.2.3

      1. a

        Peek-A-Boo1.2.3.a

      2. b

        Pat-A-Cake1.2.3.b

      3. c

        Twinkle, Twinkle1.2.3.c

    4. 4

      Continues to feed self even when having difficulty.1.2.4

  • 3

    Indicators: 16-36 months 1.3

    1. 1

      Empties the entire toy box while looking for a favorite toy.1.3.1

    2. 2

      Turns puzzle piece in a variety of directions to fit into puzzle frame. 1.3.2

    3. 3

      Climbs into a box or open cupboard to get toys or objects that are out of reach.1.3.3

    4. 4

      Attempts to put on shoes or coat by self, tries for a while before asking for help.1.3.4

    5. 5

      Follows after and says “Good-bye” or cries when caregiver is leaving the room or going out of the house.1.3.5

    6. 6

      Overcomes an obstacle in the way of obtaining a desired object.1.3.6

Initiative and Curiosity2

  • 1

    Birth-8 months 2.1

    1. 1

      Explores a variety of materials including:2.1.1

      1. a

        their body2.1.1.a

      2. b

        people2.1.1.b

      3. c

        objects2.1.1.c

    2. 2

      Vocalizes or makes noise to attract caregiver’s attention.2.1.2

    3. 3

      Uses facial expressions, sounds or gestures to show likes or dislikes.2.1.3

    4. 4

      Shows eagerness to investigate novel objects.2.1.4

  • 2

    6-18 months2.2

    1. 1

      Lifts arms up in order to be picked up by caregiver.2.2.1

    2. 2

      Gets a favorite book and brings to caregiver to read.2.2.2

    3. 3

      Shows preference for:2.2.3

      1. a

        certain foods2.2.3.a

      2. b

        toys2.2.3.b

      3. c

        activities2.2.3.c

    4. 4

      Willing to approach new people, things and experiences.2.2.4

    5. 5

      Shows enthusiasm for exploring and learning (clap, smile).2.2.5

  • 3

    Indicators: 16-36 months 2.3

    1. 1

      Studies people and things around them seeking more information.2.3.1

    2. 2

      Shows interest and/or approaches other children for play2.3.2

    3. 3

      Makes their choices known by talking about what they want and asking questions using:2.3.3

      1. a

        gestures 2.3.3.a

      2. b

        facial expressions2.3.3.b

      3. c

        words2.3.3.c

    4. 4

      Starts to sing a song or move to music and others join in.2.3.4

    5. 5

      Shows interest in trying new experiences and new ways of doing things.2.3.5

Creativity3

  • 1

    Birth-8 months3.1

    1. 1

      Finds new ways to use familiar toys/ materials:3.1.1

      1. a

        putting a block in a cup3.1.1.a

      2. b

        using a spoon to bang on tray3.1.1.b

      3. c

        “inviting” an adult to mouth rattle3.1.1.c

    2. 2

      Laughs and tries to imitate noises or silly sounds.3.1.2

    3. 3

      Investigates pushing water or food around with hand on high chair tray or table.3.1.3

    4. 4

      Begins to repeat chance sensorimotor activities to elicit a reaction:3.1.4

      1. a

        bang hands on table3.1.4.a

      2. b

        drop a toy3.1.4.b

    5. 5

      Anticipates being lifted and moves body accordingly.3.1.5

  • 2

    6-18 months3.2

    1. 1

      Bangs on pots and pans with a spoon to make noise then tries the same action on other objects.3.2.1

    2. 2

      Uses familiar objects in pretend play and imitates sounds the objects make: animal figures, puppets, other items (cars, trucks, etc.).3.2.2

    3. 3

      Begins to move to the music of varying rhythms, tempos, and types.3.2.3

    4. 4

      Uses a colorful scarf in different ways such as dancing, waving it or using it as a blanket. 3.2.4

    5. 5

      Begins to focus attention on one activity or toy for a short period of time. 3.2.5

    6. 6

      Engages in “dump and fill” with items.3.2.6

    7. 7

      Begins to explore expression with art implements:3.2.7

      1. a

        scribbling with large crayons3.2.7.a

      2. b

        creating markings in finger paint 3.2.7.b

      3. c

        molding playdough3.2.7.c

  • 3

    Indicators: 16-36 months 3.3

    1. 1

      Acts out dramatic play role-play themes with others; engages in make- believe play:3.3.1

      1. a

        imitates a dog or cat by crawling and making barking or meowing noises3.3.1.a

      2. b

        offers a caregiver or peer a pretend snack or drink during play3.3.1.b

    2. 2

      Uses items for other than intended purpose Carries on an imaginary conversation using:3.3.2

      1. a

        a toy telephone3.3.2.a

      2. b

        baby doll3.3.2.b

      3. c

        other items (stuffed animal, book, etc.)3.3.2.c

    3. 3

      Participates in music activities and dances with increased rhythm.3.3.3

    4. 4

      Makes silly faces to see other children and adults react.3.3.4

    5. 5

      Creatively explores and experiments with sensory mediums, combining different types of materials to make something new.3.3.5

    6. 6

      Uses puppets in dramatic play.3.3.6

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
PRE-K

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Keep exploring Infant and Toddler Early Learning and Development Standards standards

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More Maine Infant and Toddler Early Learning and Development Standards sets

Infant and Toddler Early Learning and Development Standards