ohio's early learning and development standards

2 min read 12-01-2025

Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) provide a framework for high-quality early childhood education, ensuring children are prepared for kindergarten and beyond. These standards aren't just a checklist; they're a roadmap guiding educators and caregivers in fostering children's growth across various developmental domains. Understanding these standards is crucial for parents and educators alike to support a child's optimal development.

What are the Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards?

The ELDS outline what children should know and be able to do by the time they enter kindergarten. They're based on extensive research and best practices in early childhood education, focusing on the whole child—their physical, social-emotional, language, and cognitive development. The standards are organized into five key domains:

1. Approaches to Learning

This domain emphasizes the development of skills essential for lifelong learning, such as:

Curiosity and Exploration: Showing a natural inquisitiveness and eagerness to learn new things.
Persistence: Demonstrating the ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks.
Self-Regulation: Managing emotions, behaviors, and attention effectively.
Initiative: Taking the lead in learning activities and exploring new ideas.

2. Physical Development and Health

This domain focuses on the child's physical well-being and motor skills development, including:

Gross Motor Skills: Developing large muscle movements like running, jumping, and climbing.
Fine Motor Skills: Refining small muscle movements like writing, drawing, and using utensils.
Health and Safety: Understanding and practicing healthy habits and safety procedures.
Nutrition: Understanding the importance of healthy eating habits.

3. Social and Emotional Development

This domain highlights the crucial aspects of social-emotional learning, encompassing:

Self-Awareness: Understanding one's own emotions and needs.
Self-Management: Controlling impulses and managing emotions effectively.
Social Awareness: Recognizing and understanding the emotions and perspectives of others.
Relationship Skills: Building positive relationships with peers and adults.
Responsible Decision-Making: Making thoughtful choices that consider the impact on oneself and others.

4. Language Development

This domain concentrates on the development of communication skills, including:

Speaking and Listening: Developing clear and effective communication skills.
Reading: Developing pre-reading skills and an appreciation for books.
Writing: Developing pre-writing skills and an understanding of the purpose of writing.

5. Cognitive Development

This domain focuses on the development of thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, including:

Mathematics: Developing foundational math concepts like counting, number recognition, and measurement.
Science: Exploring the natural world through observation and experimentation.
Creative Arts: Expressing oneself creatively through various art forms.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Developing the ability to think critically and solve problems effectively.

How are the Ohio ELDS Used?

The ELDS serve as a guide for educators to plan developmentally appropriate curriculum and assess children's progress. They're not meant to be rigidly followed but rather provide a framework for creating engaging and effective learning experiences. Parents can use the standards to understand what their child should be learning at each stage of development and to support their learning at home.

Finding More Information

For more detailed information about Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards, you can consult the Ohio Department of Education website. This website offers resources for parents, educators, and other stakeholders interested in supporting young children's development.

This guide provides a general overview. The nuances and specific details within each domain are best explored through the official Ohio Department of Education resources. By understanding and utilizing these standards, we can collectively work towards ensuring all Ohio children have a strong foundation for future success.