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Infant and Toddler Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (Infant Toddler MELDS)

K–12 Standards

Cognitive Development
Other Maine Infant and Toddler Early Learning and Development Standards sets
Approaches to Learning
Early Language and Literacy
Physical Development and Health
Social and Emotional Development

Exploration and Inquiry1

1
Birth-8 months1.1
1. 1
  Displays reflexes that set the stage for sensory exploration toward intellectual development:1.1.1
  a
  turns head toward nipple1.1.1.a
  b
  grasps finger of caregiver when placed in palm1.1.1.b
2. 2
  Directs attention towards caregiver’s face or voice:1.1.2
  a
  gazes at caregiver’s face during feeding1.1.2.a
3. 3
  Directs attention toward objects:1.1.3
  a
  reaches and grasps for objects or stares at them1.1.3.a
  b
  reacts to new objects, voices, sounds and touch by becoming more active or quiet1.1.3.b
2
6-18 months 1.2
1. 1
  Manipulates, visually inspects, feels and mouths things in the environment:1.2.1
  a
  moves toward toy1.2.1.a
  b
  bangs on table with toy1.2.1.b
  c
  fingers and inspects object1.2.1.c
2. 2
  Takes time to investigate and may protest when play is interrupted.1.2.2
3. 3
  Can use several senses at once to explore the environment:1.2.3
  a
  mouths, then holds toy at a distance1.2.3.a
  b
  shakes and then throws ball1.2.3.b
4. 4
  Looks at and explores how a material reacts when acted upon: 1.2.4
  a
  water added to the sand table1.2.4.a
  b
  popping bubbles with hands and feet1.2.4.b
3
Indicators: 16-36 months1.3
1. 1
  Independently explores the immediate environment to investigate what is there: 1.3.1
  a
  asks about a new toy or explores different textures in the natural environment 1.3.1.a
  b
  searches for a specific toy1.3.1.b
2. 2
  Tries new activities, materials and equipment: 1.3.2
  a
  unfamiliar art materials1.3.2.a
  b
  different musical instrument1.3.2.b
  c
  joins in new song or finger play1.3.2.c
3. 3
  Uses multiple senses to determine properties of things:1.3.3
  a
  lifts, shakes and listens1.3.3.a
  b
  smells, tastes and inquires of caregiver about the item1.3.3.b

Concept Development and Working Memory2

1
Birth-8 months2.1
1. 1
  Uses sight, hearing and touch to examine an item to learn about it:2.1.1
  a
  mouths, bangs, grasps, releases and re-grasps 2.1.1.a
  2
  Looks for or orients toward dropped object:2.1.2
  a
  looks down when drops toy from a table2.1.2.a
2. 3
  Repeats a pleasing sight, sound, or motion to show enjoyment and a desire to continue:2.1.3
  a
  looks towards a musical toy to continue interaction 2.1.3.a
3. 4
  Repeats a previously successful sound or motion:2.1.4
  a
  kicks or swats mobile and repeats over days and week2.1.4.a
  b
  continues to bang an object to repeat a sounds2.1.4.b
4. 5
  Imitates sounds and gestures.2.1.5
5. 6
  Finds hidden objects:2.1.6
  a
  uncovers a partially hidden toy under a blanket or cloth2.1.6.a
2
6-18 months 2.2
1. 1
  Remembers location of favorite object:2.2.1
  a
  asks for objects out of sight2.2.1.a
  b
  persists in search for a desired object when it is hidden2.2.1.b
2. 2
  Remembers games and toys from the previous day.2.2.2
3. 3
  Anticipates people’s return, time for nap, etc. within context of daily routine.2.2.3
4. 4
  Imitates actions across a change in context; beginning of ability to fantasize and role-play:2.2.4
  a
  imitates mom on the phone when at child care setting2.2.4.a
  b
  uses another object or person as a tool:2.2.4.b
  c
  asks to be picked up to reach something2.2.4.c
  d
  rolls toward a toy to reach it2.2.4.d
5. 5
  Understands “more” in reference to food or simple play:2.2.5
  a
  responds appropriately when asked if child wants more crackers2.2.5.a
6. 6
  Begins to think about actions before doing them:2.2.6
  a
  chooses a toy, book, or doll from a group2.2.6.a
  b
  enjoys taking things out of a container and putting them back2.2.6.b
3
Indicators: 16-36 months 2.3
1. 1
  Uses familiar objects in combination:2.3.1
  a
  uses spoon in bowl, doll in bed, and person in car2.3.1.a
2. 2
  Engages in make believe play acting out simple dramatic play themes with others:2.3.2
  a
  “You baby, me momma”2.3.2.a
  b
  pretends to be an animal 2.3.2.b
3. 3
  Recognizes that the words “two, three, four, etc.” are numbers:2.3.3
  a
  recites numbers with prompting or adult cues2.3.3.a
  b
  uses some number words during play or activity: “I want two” 2.3.3.b
4. 4
  Imitates counting rhymes:2.3.4
  a
  One, Two Buckle My Shoe, Three Little Monkeys2.3.4.a
5. 5
  Shows some understanding of daily time sequence:2.3.5
  a
  time for nap, lunch, outdoor play 2.3.5.a
6. 6
  Begins to solve simple problems in his or her head:2.3.6
  a
  moves a toy to get to another object2.3.6.a
  b
  stands on block or another object to reach an item2.3.6.b

Reflection and Problem-Solving3

1
Birth-8 months3.1
1. 1
  Engages in simple repeated actions to reach a goal, such as trying to get whole hand and then fingers or thumb in mouth. 3.1.1
2. 2
  Anticipates being lifted and moves body accordingly:3.1.2
  a
  stiffens body in preparation for being lifted3.1.2.a
  b
  stretches arms up toward caregiver3.1.2.b
  c
  tries to lift head toward caregiver3.1.2.c
3. 3
  Uses own actions or movements to solve simple problems, such as rolling to the side to reach an object or kicking to make something move.3.1.3
2
6-18 months 3.2
1. 1
  Begins to focus attention on one activity or toy for a short period of time.3.2.1
2. 2
  Explores how to make something happen again or how something works by doing actions over and over again: 3.2.2
  a
  repeatedly filling a container and emptying it out3.2.2.a
3. 3
  Tries different solutions to everyday problems until discovering one that works.3.2.3
4. 4
  May try the same strategy multiple times even if it is not working.3.2.4
3
Indicators: 16-36 months3.3
1. 1
  Engages in activities for longer periods of time, including make believe play.3.3.1
2. 2
  Tries several times to solve more challenging problems, often using a combination of actions or behaviors:3.3.2
  a
  determined to reach the sink and pulls over a block to stand on, then adds a book to make it higher3.3.2.a
3. 3
  Uses experimenting to figure out solutions to everyday problems, including in social situations:3.3.3
  a
  two children both want to fit into a small car and agree to take turns3.3.3.a
4. 4
  Begins to develop ability to find a solution using mental representation.3.3.4

Mathematical Thinking 4

1
Birth-8 months4.1
1. 1
  Observes and feels the sequence of simple daily routines: 4.1.1
  a
  rocking to sleep4.1.1.a
  b
  riding in a stroller4.1.1.b
  c
  listening to an adult voice reading or singing4.1.1.c
2. 2
  Explores special relationships with objects:4.1.2
  a
  picks up different sized balls4.1.2.a
3. 3
  Places shapes into shape sorter (not always in the correct space)4.1.3
4. 4
  Demonstrates understanding of simple number concepts:4.1.4
  a
  uses sign language to ask for “More” of something4.1.4.a
  b
  takes two crackers when prompted, “Take two crackers” 4.1.4.b
5. 5
  Uses sensorimotor exploration to experience various textures, patterns, sounds, and smells.4.1.5
2
6-18 months 4.2
1. 1
  Follows simple directions related to position:4.2.1
  a
  puts toys “in” basket after prompted4.2.1.a
2. 2
  Uses simple nesting or stacking toys:4.2.2
  a
  nests three or four cups4.2.2.a
  b
  stacks three or four cups or foam blocks4.2.2.b
3. 3
  Groups a few objects by shape, color or size:4.2.3
  a
  finds two or three toys that have the same simple shape, color4.2.3.a
4. 4
  Understands time words such as “after,” “before”:4.2.4
  a
  “Before we go outside, we have to put on your coat.”4.2.4.a
  b
  explores spatial relationships: Attempts to fit own body in boxes, tunnels4.2.4.b
5. 5
  Solves simple manipulative problems:4.2.5
  a
  crawls or walks around a toy4.2.5.a
3
Indicators: 16-36 months4.3
1. 1
  Verbally Counts (not always in the correct order):4.3.1
  a
  says “one, two, six”4.3.1.a
2. 2
  Recognizes and names a few numerals: 4.3.2
  a
  notices numbers within the environment and identifies a few by name4.3.2.a
3. 3
  Follows simple directions related to proximity:4.3.3
  a
  set your shoes “beside” your cot for naptime4.3.3.a
4. 4
  Makes comparisons between two objects:4.3.4
  a
  identifies the larger object when shown4.3.4.a
5. 5
  Shows interest in simple patterns in the environment:4.3.5
  a
  points to pedestrian crosswalk and says “white, black, white, black” 4.3.5.a
6. 6
  Shows interest in patterns and sequences:4.3.6
  a
  attempts to follow a pattern with large beads and string or on a peg board4.3.6.a
  b
  plays matching games4.3.6.b

Scientific Reasoning5

1
Birth-8 months5.1
1. 1
  Explores properties of items by mouthing them:5.1.1
  a
  explores large pop beads by putting them in their mouth5.1.1.a
2. 2
  Uses senses to investigate the natural environment around them: 5.1.2
  a
  looks outward and watches leaves blowing in the wind5.1.2.a
3. 3
  Begins to look for objects that are “hidden” or become “out of sight”. 5.1.3
2
6-18 months 5.2
1. 1
  Investigates new phenomena:5.2.1
  a
  reaches out to touch rain5.2.1.a
  b
  stops play to watch a novel element in the environment5.2.1.b
2. 2
  Shows basic awareness of cause and immediate effect:5.2.2
  a
  opens and closes, presses button to make sounds5.2.2.a
3. 3
  Uses trial and error method effectively:5.2.3
  a
  successfully pushes buttons on a pop-up toy5.2.3.a
  b
  uses shape sorter with some success5.2.3.b
3
Indicators: 16-36 months 5.3
1. 1
  Fills and empties containers with sand, water, or small toys.5.3.1
2. 2
  Begins to ask “Why” questions to understand specific concepts.5.3.2
3. 3
  Begins to notice differences and similarities:5.3.3
  a
  kiwi is sweet and a lemon is sour5.3.3.a
  b
  cows and dogs both have four legs5.3.3.b
4. 4
  Uses simple tools in exploration and inquiry:5.3.4
  a
  magnifying glasses5.3.4.a
  b
  hammers5.3.4.b
  c
  tweezers5.3.4.c
5. 5
  Explores different mediums and their properties:5.3.5
  a
  mixing sand and water cornstarch and water5.3.5.a

Social Studies Learning6

1
Birth-8 months6.1
1. 1
  Engages in immediate and deferred imitation of facial expressions:6.1.1
  a
  smiles back at caregiver6.1.1.a
  b
  smiles when familiar adult re-enters room6.1.1.b
  c
  responds by patting mirror when sees own image reflected6.1.1.c
2. 2
  Begins to notice differences in faces or adults.6.1.2
3. 3
  Begins to notice new items in the environment.6.1.3
2
6-18 months 6.2
1. 1
  Demonstrates knowledge about self: 6.2.1
  a
  begins to show preference towards adults6.2.1.a
  b
  recognizes items that belong to them (bottle, blanket, etc.)6.2.1.b
2. 2
  Reacts and responds to new environments (i.e. falls asleep in car and wakes up in a shopping mall).6.2.2
3. 3
  Shows curiosity and points to new items in the environment. 6.2.3
4. 4
  Reacts and responds to changes in familiar adults (i.e. mom cuts hair, dad shaves beard, etc.).6.2.4
3
Indicators: 16-36 months6.3
1. 1
  Shows basic understanding of people and how they live:6.3.1
  a
  imitates example of mother nursing younger sibling6.3.1.a
2. 2
  Notices differences between people – gender, skin color, etc.6.3.2
3. 3
  Seeks opportunities to label new items in the environment.6.3.3
4. 4
  Asks questions about new people, materials and places in the environment.6.3.4
5. 5
  Recognizes and seeks familiar places (i.e. stores, doctor’s office etc.).6.3.5
6. 6
  Shows interest in “helpers’ in the community (fire, police, mail carriers, etc.).6.3.6

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?: PRE-K
Where can I read the official document?: Infant and Toddler Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (Infant Toddler MELDS)

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