Social & Emotional

Shows awareness when caregiver leaves (may show distress)

Can be comforted by familiar caregiver when primary caregiver leaves

Tolerates brief separations with comfort object or familiar caregiver

Practices separation tolerance with increasing confidence

Shows basic emotions (joy, distress) clearly

Expresses a range of emotions (joy, frustration, fear, excitement)

Expresses emotions clearly (joy, frustration) so caregivers understand needs

Calms when held by familiar caregiver

Seeks proximity to familiar caregivers when upset or tired

Actively seeks comfort from familiar caregivers (reaches, crawls to)