Foundation: Identity of Self in Relation to Others
California Infant/Toddler Learning & Development Foundations.While the California Department of Education continues to operate the California State Preschool Program, the Early Childhood Development Act of 2020 (Senate Bill (SB) 98, Chapter 24, Statutes of 2020) authorized the transfer of many childcare programs from the California Department of Education to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) effective July 1, 2021. The content on this page may include programs that have moved to CDSS. For additional assistance you can either visit the CDSS Child Care Transition web page
or call 1-833-559-2420 for more information.
The developing concept that the child is an individual operating within social relationships
8 months | 18 months | 36 months |
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At around eight months of age, children show clear awareness of being a separate person and of being connected with other people. Children identify others as both distinct from and connected to themselves. (Fogel 2001, 347) |
At around 18 months of age, children demonstrate awareness of their characteristics and express themselves as distinct persons with thoughts and feelings. Children also demonstrate expectations of others’ behaviors, responses, and characteristics on the basis of previous experiences with them. |
At around 36 months of age, children identify their feelings, needs, and interests, and identify themselves and others as members of one or more groups by referring to categories. (24–36 mos.; Fogel 2001, 415; 18–30 mos.) |
For example, the child may:
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For example, the child may:
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For example, the child may:
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Behaviors leading up to the foundation (4 to 7 months) During this period, the child may:
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Behaviors leading up to the foundation (9 to 17 months) During this period, the child may:
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Behaviors leading up to the foundation (19 to 35 months) During this period, the child may:
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*Four months, six days, to four months, 15 days.
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