Adaptive skill development becomes more advanced during the preschool years. In Chapter 6, we learned that adaptive skills in infancy and toddlerhood are focused on feeding, toileting, and self-help skills. In the preschool years, these skills become much more advanced. Preschoolers not only crave independence, they are also very capable of pursuing it thanks to their strong cognitive, physical, and social emotional abilities. As with all skills mentioned, some children may achieve mastery of adaptive skills faster than others. This is completely normal.

Adaptive skills for 3- to 6-year-olds rely on abilities from all of the major developmental domains. In order for a preschooler to be independent, they must have age appropriate fine and gross motor skills, emotional regulation, communication skills, as well as the ability to listen and understand. Children require time and care to be able to develop adaptive skills in the preschool years. Caregivers continue to play an important role in a child’s development. For some children, early childhood educators are also involved. Caregivers can support adaptive skill development by providing assistance when needed, modeling, and providing ample opportunities for the child to practice a specific skill.

Preschoolers vary in their development of adaptive skills as there are many factors that can contribute to their learning. The milestones listed in Figure 8.6 are those typical for American children, but there is considerable diversity in when these skills are developed.

Licenses and Attributions for Adaptive Skill Development

“Adaptive Skill Development” by Christina Belli is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Figure 8.7. Table is adapted from The Battelle Developmental Inventory—Third Edition (BDI-3) Crosswalk to Child Outcomes (updated October 2021).