Oklahoma State Assessment Test (OSAT) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

When do children begin to learn about caring for others?

1. Birth to 8 months

2. 8 to 18 months

3. 18 to 36 months

4. 36 to 48 months

The correct answer is: 18 to 36 months

The understanding of caring for others begins to develop significantly during the 18 to 36-month age range. During this stage, children become more aware of their own emotions and the emotions of those around them. They start to engage in simple acts of empathy, such as responding to a peer who is upset. This developmental period is marked by enhanced social interactions and the beginning of peer relationships. Children in this age group often exhibit behaviors that reflect a budding understanding of care, such as sharing toys, showing concern for others through comforting actions, and imitating caregiving behaviors they observe from adults. This aligns with the growth in their social and emotional development as they learn to navigate relationships and understand the needs of those around them. Younger children, particularly those from birth to 18 months, are still primarily focused on their own needs and basic attachment to caregivers rather than on the needs of others. Meanwhile, children beyond 36 months continue to hone their empathetic skills but have already established the foundational ability to care for others in the previous age band. Overall, the 18 to 36-month period is crucial for the development of these essential social-emotional skills.