Physical Health and Growth

  • 1

    Children develop healthy eating habits. HPD-1

    1.  

      Infants Birth to 12 months

      1. a

        Show interest in feeding routines.  HPD-1a

      2. b

        Help with feeding themselves (eat finger foods, hold bottle). HPD-1b

      3. c

        Show hunger or fullness using actions, sounds, or words (cry or search for food, turn away when full). HPD-1c

      4. d

         Indicate foods they like and do not like. HPD-1d

      5. e

        Respond to different textures of food in their mouth (wait for the next bite, spit out food, turn head away).HPD-1e

      6. f

        Eat different kinds of food such as liquids, pureed or soft foods, and finely chopped food. HPD-1f

    2.  

      Younger Toddlers 8 to 21 months  

      1. g

        Try new foods.  HPD-1g

      2. h

        Feed themselves with some assistance (may use hands, spoons, or cups with or without lids). HPD-1h

      3. i

        Ask for or accept food when hungry. HPD-1i

      4. j

        Eat enough to meet nutritional needs, even when the amount or type of food varies over time (eat a lot at one meal and little at the next, show interest in many foods but no interest in others).HPD-1j

      5. k

        Eat a variety of small pieces of ageappropriate table foods. HPD-1k

    3.  

      Older Toddlers 18 to 36 months 

      1. l

        Try new foods.HPD-1l

      2. m

        Feed themselves using utensils and hands.  HPD-1m

      3. n

        Eat foods depending on their appetite and personal preference (make food choices at a meal, leave unwanted food on plate, ask for seconds of favorite food). HPD-1n

      4. o

        Notice and talk about food preferences, textures, temperatures, and tastes (crunchy crackers, warm soup, sweet apples). HPD-1o

    4.  

      Younger Preschoolers 36 to 48 months  

      1. p

        Try new foods.  HPD-1p

      2. q

        Feed themselves independently with utensils. HPD-1q

      3. r

        Communicate that some foods are good for them (fruits, vegetables, milk) and some are not healthy (potato chips, soda). HPD-1r

    5.  

      Older Preschoolers 48 to 60+ months 

      1. s

        Try new foods. HPD-1s

      2. t

        Feed themselves independently with utensils.HPD-1t

      3. u

        Given a selection of familiar foods, identify which foods are nutritious and which are not.HPD-1u

      4. v

        Talk about variety and amount of foods needed to be healthy (can identify what is missing from their meal). HPD-1v

      5. w

        Name foods and beverages that help to build healthy bodies. HPD-1w

  • 2

    Children engage in and sustain various forms of physical play indoors and out. HPD-2

    1.  

      Infants Birth to 12 months

      1. a

        Engage in physically active movements (spending time on their tummy, repeating actions, kicking, waving arms, rolling over).HPD-2a

      2. b

        Move their bodies to explore the indoor and outdoor environment. HPD-2b

      3. c

        Develop strength by continuing movements over short periods of time. HPD-2c

    2.  

      Younger Toddlers 8 to 21 months

      1. d

        Show they enjoy active play and seek to be physically active (choose to play often on climber, laugh and squeal while moving). HPD-2d

      2. e

        Anticipate and ask for outdoor play (point at door and say, “Out!”, resist coming indoors).HPD-2e

      3. f

        Engage in regular and sustained movement (push toys around play yard, go up and down slide over and over). HPD-2f

      4. g

        Develop strength and stamina as they use large muscles and participate in physical activity for longer periods of time.HPD-2g

    3.  

      Older Toddlers 18 to 36 months

      1. h

        Develop strength and stamina by spending moderate periods of time engaged in active physical play indoors and out. HPD-2h

      2. i

        Show satisfaction with new active skills and strengths (ask others to watch them, say, “I’m big and strong!”). HPD-2i

      3. j

        With guidance and support, transition from active to quiet activities. HPD-2j

    4.  

      Younger Preschoolers 36 to 48 months

      1. k

        Develop strength and stamina by spending moderate periods of time engaged in active physical play indoors and out. HPD-2k

      2. l

        Choose a variety of structured and unstructured physical activities indoors and outdoors. HPD-2l

      3. m

        Participate in simple games and other structured motor activities that enhance physical fitness (songs with movement, throwing and catching).HPD-2m

      4. n

        Transition from active to quiet activities with limited guidance and support.  HPD-2n

    5.  

      Older Preschoolers 48 to 60+ months 

      1. o

        Develop strength and stamina by spending extended periods of time engaged in active physical play indoors and out. HPD-2o

      2. p

        Communicate ways physical activity keeps us healthy and makes us feel good.HPD-2p

      3. q

        Participate in structured and unstructured motor activities that build strength, speed, flexibility, and coordination (red light, green light; chase; free play).HPD-2q

      4. r

        Transition independently from active to quiet activities most of the time.HPD-2r

  • 3

    Children develop healthy sleeping habits. HPD-3

    1.  

      Infants Birth to 12 months  

      1. a

        Sleep for longer periods at a time (more at night, and less during the day). HPD-3a

      2. b

        Settle down and fall asleep after a routine that includes a familiar series of events. HPD-3b

      3. c

        Develop a personal sleep routine or pattern. HPD-3c

    2.  

      Younger Toddlers 8 to 21 months 

      1. d

        Cooperate with sleep routines (choose a book, get preferred sleep toy).HPD-3d

      2. e

        Use simple sounds, gestures, or words to show they are tired (say, “Night, night.”).  HPD-3e

    3.  

      Older Toddlers 18 to 36 months

      1. f

        Use language about sleep (say, “Time for bed,” after clearing lunch things; give sign for sleep). HPD-3f

      2. g

        With guidance, participate in sleep routines (wash hands after lunch, get blanket, lie down on bed or mat). HPD-3g

      3. h

        Learning to fall asleep on their own.  HPD-3h

    4.  

      Younger Preschoolers 36 to 48 months 

      1. i

        Recognize and communicate signs of being tired. HPD-3i

      2. j

        With increasing independence, start and participate in sleep routines.HPD-3j

    5.  

      Older Preschoolers 48 to 60+ months 

      1. k

        Communicate ways sleep keeps us healthy and makes us feel good. HPD-3k

      2. l

        Independently start and participate in sleep routines most of the time. HPD-3l

Motor Development 

  • 4

    Children develop the large muscle control and abilities needed to move through and explore their environment.HPD-4

    1.  

      Infants Birth to 12 months

      1. a

        Gain control of arm and leg movements. HPD-4a

      2. b

        Develop upright posture when sitting and standing.HPD-4b

      3. c

        Move in and out of various positions by rolling, pushing up, and pulling to stand.  HPD-4c

      4. d

        Move from place to place as their abilities allow (squirm, roll, scoot, crawl, cruise, or walk).HPD-4d

    2.  

      Younger Toddlers 8 to 21 months

      1. e

        Develop strength, balance, and coordination by repeating movements (pull up and sit down; bend and straighten, squat to pick something up from the floor).HPD-4e

      2. f

        Move arms and legs together to climb, push, and pull (push a stroller, use riding toys, crawl up steps).  HPD-4f

      3. g

        Move through the world with more independence (crawl, cruise, walk, run, use therapeutic walker).  HPD-4g

    3.  

      Older Toddlers 18 to 36 months  

      1. h

        Move arms and legs to complete a task (kick, jump, step, pedal, push away). HPD-4h

      2. i

        Move through the world with a variety of movements and with increasing independence (run, jump, pedal). HPD-4i

      3. j

        Use familiar objects that encourage large motor movements (riding toys, crawl tubes, large ball in basket, slide).HPD-4j

      4. k

        Perform actions smoothly with balance, strength, and coordination (dance, bend over to pick up a toy, reach up high on a shelf, walk up and down steps).  HPD-4k

    4.  

      Younger Preschoolers 36 to 48 months 

      1. l

        Demonstrate strength and balance by managing uneven surfaces such as hills, ramps, and steps.  HPD-4l

      2. m

        Refine movements and show generally good coordination (e.g., throwing and catching).  HPD-4m

      3. n

        Demonstrate large muscle control by throwing balls accurately, sliding down slides, pedaling riding toys, and using assistive technology effectively. HPD-4n

      4. o

        Move in space with good coordination (running, hopping in place, galloping). HPD-4o

    5.  

      Older Preschoolers 48 to 60+ months

      1. p

        Coordinate movement of upper and lower body. HPD-4p

      2. q

        Perform complex movements smoothly (skipping, balancing on beams, hopping from one place to another). HPD-4q

      3. r

        Move quickly through the environment and stop (run fast, pedal fast). HPD-4r

      4. s

        Show awareness of own body in relation to other people and objects while moving through space.  HPD-4s

  • 5

    Children develop small muscle control and hand-eye coordination to manipulate objects and work with tools. HPD-5

    1.  

      Infants Birth to 12 months

      1. a

        Use both hands to swipe at, reach for, grasp, hold, shake, and release objects. HPD-5a

      2. b

        Transfer objects from one hand to the other. HPD-5b

      3. c

        Use a pincer grasp to pick up an object with finger and thumb.HPD-5c

    2.  

      Younger Toddlers 8 to 21 months 

      1. d

        Use hands to manipulate objects (stack two or three large blocks, pick up or roll a ball). HPD-5d

      2. e

        Use hands and eyes together (put together and take apart toys, feed themselves finger foods, fill containers). HPD-5e

      3. f

        Use simple tools (spoon for feeding, hammer with pegs, crayon for scribbling), however imperfectly.HPD-5f

    3.  

      Older Toddlers 18 to 36 months 

      1. g

        Use more complex, refined hand movements (stack a few small blocks, try to draw, turn pages one at a time). HPD-5g

      2. h

        Use hands and eyes together with a moderate degree of control (complete puzzles, thread beads with large holes, use shape sorters). HPD-5h

      3. i

        Use tools that require finger and hand control (large paintbrush, measuring cups, switches, shovel). HPD-5i

    4.  

      Younger Preschoolers 36 to 48 months

      1. j

        Draw simple shapes and figures (square for block, circles). HPD-5j

      2. k

        Engage in activities that require hand-eye coordination (build with manipulatives, mold Play-Doh®, work puzzles with smaller pieces).HPD-5k

      3. l

        Use tools that require strength, control, and dexterity of small muscles (forks, crayons, markers, safety scissors, adapted tools). HPD-5l

    5.  

      Older Preschoolers 48 to 60+ months

      1. m

        Draw and write smaller figures with more detail (faces with features, letters, or letter-like forms).  HPD-5m

      2. n

        Engage in complex hand-eye coordination activities with a moderate degree of precision and control (fasten clothing, cut shapes, put together small pieces). HPD-5n

      3. o

        Use tools that require strength and dexterity of small muscles with a moderate degree of control (spray bottle, hole puncher). HPD-5o

Self-Care 

  • 6

    Children develop awareness of their needs and the ability to communicate their needs.HPD-6

    1.  

      Infants Birth to 12 months 

      1. a

        Use different sounds to let caregivers know they need attention.  HPD-6a

      2. b

        Begin to soothe themselves (suck thumb, find pacifier, reach for a security object). HPD-6b

    2.  

      Younger Toddlers 8 to 21 months 

      1. c

        Use gestures, words, signs, or sign language to communicate what they need.HPD-6c

      2. d

        Use objects and follow routines that are comforting (get their blanket and lie down where they usually sleep, pick out favorite book to be read before lunch). HPD-6d

    3.  

      Older Toddlers 18 to 36 months

      1. e

        Use words, signs, or sign language to ask for the things they need (food when hungry, drink when thirsty, go outdoors when they need to be physically active).HPD-6e

      2. f

        Soothe themselves when needed (find a quiet area for alone time, look at book before nap).  HPD-6f

    4.  

      Younger Preschoolers 36 to 48 months 

      1. g

        Use words, signs, or sign language to ask for the things they need (food when hungry, drink when thirsty, go outdoors when they need to be physically active).  HPD-6g

      2. h

        Use different strategies to calm themselves when needed (self-talk, deep breathing, cozy corner). HPD-6h

    5.  

      Older Preschoolers 48 to 60+ months 

      1. i

        Use language to ask adults or peers specifically for the kind of help needed in a particular situation.  HPD-6i

      2. j

        Consistently use strategies to calm themselves when needed. HPD-6j

  • 7

    Children develop independence in caring for themselves and their environment.  HPD-7

    1.  

      Infants Birth to 12 months 

      1. a

        Accept care routines (mouth care, handwashing, diapering, dressing, and bathing). HPD-7a

      2. b

        Show interest and assist in routines (open mouth for milk or spoon, raise arms for dressing). HPD-7b

    2.  

      Younger Toddlers 8 to 21 months

      1. c

        Cooperate and help with care routines and cleanup (mouth care, hand-washing, diapering, dressing, bathing).HPD-7c

      2. d

        Drink from a cup (with or without a lid) and feed themselves with their fingers or a spoon.  HPD-7d

    3.  

      Older Toddlers 18 to 36 months  

      1. e

        Use adaptive equipment, ask for help with positioning and movement, and/or participate in medical care routines as needed. HPD-7e

      2. f

        Initiate self-care routines and complete with guidance (put on some clothes, undress, throw away paper towel, begin to show an interest in toileting).HPD-7f

      3. g

        Feed themselves with a spoon.HPD-7g

      4. h

        Help with meal and snack routines.  HPD-7h

      5. i

        Begin to take care of objects (put toys away, handle materials carefully, water plants or garden).HPD-7i

    4.  

      Younger Preschoolers 36 to 48 months 

      1. j

        Use adaptive equipment, ask for help with positioning and movement, and/or participate in medical care routines as needed.  HPD-7j

      2. k

        Dress and undress themselves with occasional assistance. HPD-7k

      3. l

        Follow basic hygiene practices with reminders (brush teeth, wash hands, use toilet, cough into elbow). HPD-7l

      4. m

        Gain independence in hygiene practices (throw tissues away and wash hands, flush toilet).  HPD-7m

      5. n

        Serve food for themselves. HPD-7n

      6. o

        Help with routine care of the indoor and outdoor learning environment (recycle, care for garden).HPD-7o

      7. p

        Name people who help children stay healthy.HPD-7p

    5.  

      Older Preschoolers 48 to 60+ months  

      1. q

        Use adaptive equipment, ask for help with positioning and movement, and/or participate in medical care routines as needed.  HPD-7q

      2. r

        Dress and undress themselves independently. HPD-7r

      3. s

        Perform tasks to maintain the indoor and outdoor learning environment independently.  HPD-7s

      4. t

        Describe the value of good health practices (wash hands to get rid of germs, drink milk to build strong bones). HPD-7t

Safety Awareness  

  • 8

    Children develop awareness of basic safety rules and begin to follow them. HPD-8

    1.  

      Infants Birth to 12 months

      1. a

        Show trust in familiar caregivers (calm down with adult help, make eye contact with caregivers).HPD-8a

      2. b

        Notice and imitate adults’ reactions to new people and situations. HPD-8b

    2.  

      Younger Toddlers 8 to 21 months  

      1. c

        Watch for adult reactions to unfamiliar things or situations that might be dangerous. HPD-8c

      2. d

        Show some caution about unfamiliar and/ or unsafe situations.  HPD-8d

      3. e

        Respond to simple warnings that prevent harm (“Stop!” “Hot!” “Wait!”). HPD-8e

    3.  

      Older Toddlers 18 to 36 months

      1. f

        Remember cause and effect experiences and apply their experiences to future situations (avoid touching cold railing, walk slowly down steep hill where fall happened). HPD-8f

      2. g

        Increase self-control over their impulses (remind self not to touch something; wait for adult vs. running ahead).  HPD-8g

      3. h

        With guidance, recognize and avoid situations that might cause harm.  HPD-8h

    4.  

      Younger Preschoolers 36 to 48 months

      1. i

        Know what their bodies can do, and play within their abilities to avoid injury to self or others. HPD-8i

      2. j

        Usually recognize and avoid objects and situations that might cause harm. HPD-8j

      3. k

        Usually follow established safety rules.  HPD-8k

      4. l

        Call a trusted adult when someone gets injured or is in an unsafe situation.  HPD-8l

    5.  

      Older Preschoolers 48 to 60+ months

      1. m

        Avoid potentially dangerous behaviors. HPD-8m

      2. n

        Consistently recognize and avoid objects, substances, and activities within the environment that might cause harm. HPD-8n

      3. o

        Independently follow established safety rules.HPD-8o

      4. p

        Identify people who can help them in the community (police, firefighter, nurse).  HPD-8p

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
PRE-K
Where can I read the official document?
South Carolina Early Learning Standards