ILTS Early Childhood Education (206) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Early Childhood Education Test Questions and Study Guide

Infants learn through their senses and motor actions during the Sensorimotor Stage, which is the first stage of cognitive development according to Jean Piaget. This stage spans from birth to about two years of age and is characterized by the exploration of the world through physical interaction and sensory experiences. Infants engage in activities such as grasping, biting, and looking, which allows them to make sense of their environment and develop foundational cognitive skills.

Throughout the Sensorimotor Stage, children develop key concepts such as object permanence, understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible. This learning process occurs through direct experiences and physical manipulation of objects, helping to build their cognitive structures. The emphasis on sensory and motor exploration is what distinguishes this stage from later stages in Piaget's theory, where more complex forms of thinking and reasoning emerge.