Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

What conclusion can be drawn from two 3-year-olds playing side by side in a sandbox?

1. The children are developing social skills.

2. The children's play falls within the developmentally appropriate range for preschoolers.

3. This behavior indicates a lack of imagination.

4. The children are exhibiting aggressive behavior.

The correct answer is: The children's play falls within the developmentally appropriate range for preschoolers.

The conclusion that the children's play falls within the developmentally appropriate range for preschoolers is valid because at the age of three, children often engage in parallel play. During this stage of development, children typically play alongside each other rather than directly interacting. This behavior is characteristic of their age and developmental level, as they are still learning to navigate social interactions. It suggests that they are comfortably exploring their play environment and gaining familiarity with being around peers, which is a vital part of early childhood development. This understanding reflects an essential aspect of child development theories, recognizing that children's play can involve individual exploration even when in proximity to other children.