Skill
Shows Care and Concern for Others
Toddler notices others' distress and responds with concern or simple comfort.
Ages 8–36 months
Why it matters
Early empathy — looking concerned when a peer cries, offering a toy or a hug — is the toddler root of the prosocial caring that supports friendships and community. It grows from emotional awareness into active helping.
Builds toward this milestone
- expresses care and concern towards others. — Head Start ELOF
What mastery looks like
- Shows concerned attention when another child or adult is hurt or upset.
- Tries to comfort or help with a simple action, such as offering a toy or patting.
How to observe it
- When a peer is crying, does the child notice and look concerned?
- Does the child try to comfort or help others in distress?
Accessibility
- Model and name caring actions explicitly so the child sees what comforting looks like.
- Accept any caring response — a glance, a pat, fetching an adult — as a valid attempt.
Activities
Evidence
- Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Early Atlas