2Vermont Early Learning Standards

SECTION 1: DEVELOPING SELF

By the end of this module, you will:

✓ Know what is included in the Developing

Self section;

✓ Generally know what your child is

learning and doing in each of the three

areas at different ages; and

✓ Understand how you can support your

child’s learning and development.

A few things to remember:

• All of the sections of the VELS(Developing Self, Communication andExpression, and Learning About theWorld) are important

• Children’s learning, growth anddevelopment are connected and relatedacross domains

• Progress in one domain influencesprogress in other domains

Your child developsat their own pace.

Module Organization

Section

Domains • Elements

▪Goals• Indicators – with examples by age:

▪ Infants▪ Toddlers▪ Preschoolers▪ School-age children

Developing Self Domains

Approaches to Learning

Social and Emotional Learning and Development

Growing, Moving and Being Healthy

Approachesto Learning

Element 1: Play and Exploration

Children engage in play to understand the world around them.

Element 2: Initiative

Children show curiosity about the world around them and take action to interact with it.

Element 3: Problem-Solving

Children display an interest in novel situations and demonstrate flexibility, creativity and innovation in solving challenging tasks.

How can Families Help?Provide many opportunities throughout the day to play, practice and explore.

Social and Emotional Learning andDevelopment

Element 1: Emotions andSelf-Regulation

Children express a range of emotions and regulate their emotional and social responses.

Element 2: Self-Awareness

Children demonstrate an awareness of own personal characteristics, skills and abilities.

Element 3: Relationships with Peers and Adults

Children develop healthy positive relationships with adults and peers.

How can Families Help?Provide consistent expectations for your child, and provide many opportunities to practice skills in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.

Growing, Moving and Being Healthy

Element 1: Motor Development and Coordination (large muscles)

Children develop strength, coordination, and control of their large or gross muscles.

Element 1: Motor Development and Coordination (small muscles)

Children develop strength, coordination, and control of their small or fine motor muscles.

Element 2: Health and Safety Practices (nutrition)

Children develop healthy eating habits and knowledge of good nutrition.

Element 2: Health and Safety Practices (taking care of personal needs)

Children develop personal health and self-care habits, and become increasingly independent.

Element 2: Health and Safety Practices (safety)

Children develop the ability to identify unsafe situations, and use safe practices.

How can Families Help?

Provide consistent expectations for your child and opportunities for your child to move and practice independence skills.

What’s next?

• Modules 3 – 4 will describe in detail the remaining sections of the VELS, and provide some activity ideas for you to try at home with your child.

• Family Guides and a calendar with additional activities and information about the VELS will be available soon

• Workshops