Washington State Early Learning and Development …

1 Washington State Early Learning and Development guidelines Birth through 3rd Grade 2012. replaces 2005 Early Learning and Development Benchmarks I commend the Department of Early Learning , Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Thrive by Five Washington for their leadership, and their tireless effort to review and revise the Early Learning and Development guidelines . This was a true group effort that united the work of organizations, Early Learning professionals, communities and cultural organizations that touched every area of the State .

2 These guidelines for our Early learners will be a huge benefit for our children, as well as parents, Early Learning professionals and teachers in Washington for years to come.. Governor Chris Gregoire Washington State Department of Early Learning PO Box 40970 1 .866 .482 .4325. Olympia, WA communications@del .wa .gov 98504-0970 http://www .del .wa .gov/. guidelines online: www .del .wa .gov/ Development /benchmarks/Default .aspx Thank you for using the Washington State Early Learning and Development guidelines .

3 These guidelines describe behaviors and skills that children may demonstrate birth through grade 3, and how you as a parent or Early Learning professional can support their healthy Development . The Department of Early Learning (DEL), the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and Thrive by Five Washington led a process starting in 2010 to review and revise the 2005 Early Learning and Development Benchmarks. For more than a year, parents, Early Learning providers, K-3 teachers, principals, advocates and representatives from diverse communities around the State helped in this process.

4 We also undertook a broad public outreach effort, receiving helpful comments from more than 400 individuals and organizations. As a result, these Early Learning and Development guidelines are a research-based resource document that focuses on the Early years, which are so important to success in school and life (birth through grade 3). Several key resources were considered in creating these guidelines : Washington 's 2005 Early Learning and Development Benchmarks. Early Learning standards from other states .

5 Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) program standards. Our State 's academic Learning standards (Grade Level Expectations, or GLEs) for grades K-3 in all subjects, including the newly adopted Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and for Mathematics. (Our State 's academic Learning standards focus solely on what students should know and be able to do throughout grades K 12. They do not include social/emotional Development , an important component of healthy Development .)

6 These guidelines include information about social/emotional Development for parents, teachers, and other adults that support children in grades K-3.). We hope the Early Learning and Development guidelines are a valuable resource for families, caregivers and educators. Bette Hyde Randy Dorn Nina Auerbach Director Superintendent of President and CEO. Department of Early Learning Public Instruction Thrive by Five Washington Contents (by Age). Welcome .. 1 Toddlers (16 to 36 Months) .. 41. Purposes of the Early Learning and 1.

7 About me and my family and culture.. 43. Development guidelines .. 2. 2. Building relationships .. 45. Early Learning and Development .. It Matters!.. 3. 3. Touching, seeing, hearing and moving around.. 46. How Children Learn .. 5. 4. Growing up healthy.. 47. Why and How the guidelines Were Developed.. 11. 5. Communicating .. 48. Guiding Principles.. 12. 6. Learning about my world.. 50. How the guidelines Can Be a Resource for You.. 13. Differences in Development .. 52. Young Infants (Birth to 11 Months).. 17.

8 Ages 3 to 4 Years.. 55. 1. About me and my family and culture.. 19. 1. About me and my family and culture.. 57. 2. Building relationships .. 21. 2. Building relationships .. 59. 3. Touching, seeing, hearing and moving around.. 22. 3. Touching, seeing, hearing and moving around.. 60. 4. Growing up healthy.. 23. 4. Growing up healthy.. 61. 5. Communicating .. 24. 5. Communicating .. 62. 6. Learning about my world.. 25. 6. Learning about my world.. 63. Differences in Development .. 26. Differences in Development .

9 66. Early Intervention Services .. 27. Ages 4 to 5 Years.. 69. Older Infants (9 to 18 Months).. 29. 1. About me and my family and culture.. 71. 1. About me and my family and culture.. 31. 2. Building relationships .. 73. 2. Building relationships .. 33. 3. Touching, seeing, hearing and moving around.. 74. 3. Touching, seeing, hearing and moving around.. 34. 4. Growing up healthy.. 75. 4. Growing up healthy.. 35. 5. Communicating .. 76. 5. Communicating .. 36. 6. Learning about my world.. 78. 6. Learning about my world.

10 37. Differences in Development .. 81. Differences in Development .. 39. Alignment of Learning , Birth 3rd Grade.. 82. Early Transitions .. 40. Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (Wakids) .. 83. continued on next page Contents (by Age) continued Age 5 and Kindergarten.. 85 3rd Grade (Usually 8 Years) .. 117. Starting Kindergarten.. 86 1. About me and my family and culture.. 119. 1. About me and my family and culture.. 87 2. Building relationships .. 120. 2. Building relationships .. 89 3.