Related Early Childhood Sites

- California Early Childhood Mentor Program (CECMP)Mentorship and leadership program that strengthens the early learning & care workforce by connecting experienced professionals with those new to the field
- California Early Childhood Online (CECO)Online learning system offers professional development modules for early childhood educators
- California Early Learning VideosVideo resources demonstrating best practices in early childhood education
- California Preschool Instructional Network (CPIN)Provides professional development, instructional support and resources for preschool educators
- CDSS LEAD Office Quality InitiativesProfessional Development and coaching resources to strengthen early childhood program administration
- Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC)Provides services, training, and career advancement resources for early childhood students and professionals
- Family Child Care at Its Best (FCCB)Research-based workshops for family child care providers to improve quality care
- Personalized Oral Language Learning (POLL) StrategiesStrategies to support and strengthen multilingual learning and language development for dual languages learners from infancy through preschool in all early learning and care settings
- Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC)Training and resources specifically focused on quality care for infants and toddlers
- All About Young ChildrenTools and resources to support families’ understanding of young children’s development and early learning
- My Child Care PlanTool for families to search and find licensed child care options
- Resource and Referral NetworkHelps connect families find child care and provides support to child care providers. Provides support to child care providers such as training, licensing guidance, and quality improvement
- TrustlineBackground check system for nannies, babysitters, and license- exempt child care providers
- Beginning TogetherResources for inclusive practices supporting children with disabilities and their families
- California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation NetworkSupports mental health and well-being for young children through consultation services, resources and training activities for child care and early education providers in all settings
- California Making Access Possible (MAP) to Inclusion and BelongingProvides a clearinghouse of resources to support the inclusion of young children with disabilities or delays in child care, preschool, or out-of-school time programs
- California Teaching PyramidSystematic framework, training, and resources for supporting social-emotional development and addressing challenging behaviors
- CDSS DLL ResourcesStrategies and tools to support dual language learners and promote multilingual development in early childhood settings
- CDSS Early Learning PublicationsEarly Learning publications and resources from the California Department of Social Services
- CDSS QIS RevisionsUpdates and guidance on California’s Quality Improvement System revisions
- CompSATEarly learning and care self-assessment toolkit that accompanies the ECE Competencies
- Desired Results (DR) Field TrainingStatewide trainings that help early childhood administrators and staff use the Desired Results system and DRDP assessment tool to improve child development outcomes
- Quality Counts California (QCC)California’s quality improvement system (QIS) for early learning programs

Your child from Birth–4 Months

Social and Emotional Development

How do children develop relationships and understand and express themselves?

How do children develop relationships and understand and express themselves?

Showing interests in people and objects
Expressing sensations and essential needs like hunger
Being soothed by caregivers
Showing primary emotions, like joy, by smiling or laughing
Building awareness of their hands and feet

Each child develops at their own pace and may show some skills earlier or later than others; the videos provide a few examples of how children may demonstrate these skills and concepts.

How do children express their emotions and needs early in life?

Children express their emotions and needs by waving their arms, kicking their legs, and vocalizing (such as crying, or smiling).

How do the caregivers respond to the children’s emotions and needs?

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How do children learn to interact with others?

Children engage socially by making eye contact and noticing human voices, faces, and touch.

How are the caregivers engaging the children in the interaction?

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How do children develop emotional connections?

Children form strong emotional attachments with caregivers who provide sensitive, responsive care.

What behaviors and sounds show that the children feel comfort and joy?

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Select a different age period within the domain Social and Emotional Development

What else is your child learning from birth–4 months?

Additional Resources