Early Childhood Indicators of Progress

Physical and Motor Development

The emphasis in this domain is on physical health and development as an integral part of children’s well-being and ability to take advantage of educational opportunities. The components address gross motor development, fine motor development, and physical health, nutrition, safety, and self-care.

Strategies community members and policymakers can use to promote development in children's cognitive development.

Children Show Progress in Gross Motor Development When They:*

  1. Develop large muscle control and coordination
  2. Develop body strength, balance, flexibility, and stamina
  3. Use a variety of equipment for physical development
  4. Develop ability to move their body in space with coordination

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's gross motor development.

Children Show Progress in Fine Motor Development When They:*

  1. Develop small muscle control and coordination
  2. Use eye-hand coordination to perform a variety of tasks
  3. Explore and experiment with a variety of tools (e.g., spoons, crayons, paintbrushes, scissors, keyboards)

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's gross motor development.

Children Show Progress in Physical Health and Well-Being When They:*

  1. Participate in a variety of physical activities to enhance personal health and physical fitness
  2. Follow basic health and safety rules
  3. Recognize and eat a variety of nutritious foods
  4. Demonstrate increasing independence with basic self-care skills

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's gross motor development.

* These indicators apply to children in the preschool period of ages three to five. They are based on expectations for children approximately four years of age.