According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which age range do they classify as older infants?

The classification of older infants, as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), includes children who are typically between 8 to 18 months old. This range reflects a developmental stage where infants are moving beyond the newborn phase and acquiring significant milestones in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.

During this period, older infants often begin to engage more actively with their environment, displaying behaviors such as crawling, standing, and beginning to walk, as well as increased interactions with caregivers and peers. These abilities play a crucial role in how they learn and explore the world around them. The age range highlights the importance of providing appropriate learning experiences and environment tailored to their burgeoning skills and emotional needs.

In contrast, other age classifications, such as 0 to 6 months, would encompass younger infants who are just beginning to develop basic sensory and motor skills. Likewise, age ranges beyond 18 months would encompass toddlers, who enter a different stage of development where their cognitive and social skills evolve further, requiring different educational strategies that align with their needs.