Foundation: Interactions with Peers
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 ability to respond to and engage with other children
8 months | 18 months | 36 months |
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At around eight months of age, children show interest in familiar and unfamiliar peers. Children may stare at another child, explore another child’s face and body, and respond to siblings and older peers. (8mos.; Meisels and others 2003) |
At around 18 months of age, children engage in simple back-and-forth interactions with peers for short periods of time. (Meisels and others 2003, 35) |
At around 36 months of age, children engage in simple cooperative play with peers. (36mos.; Meisels and others 2003 70) |
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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