Executive function (EF) is a higher-order cognitive process that regulates thought and action, serving as a critical predictor of cognitive development and social adaptation in early childhood. However, assessing EF in infants and toddlers poses significant challenges due to their immature sensory, linguistic, and motor abilities. Current research frequently relies on the downward extension of assessment paradigms designed for older children, often overlooking developmental specificity and thereby compromising ecological validity. This article systematically reviews three primary assessment pathways: behavioral tasks, neuroscientific techniques, and questionnaires. Comparative analysis underscores that no single approach can fully capture the multifaceted nature of early EF. Future research should adhere to the principle of developmental appropriateness to construct a multimodal assessment system that integrates standardization, localization, digitalization, and longitudinal tracking. Such advancements are essential for the precision measurement and scientific intervention of executive function in early childhood.

preschooler, executive function, measurement tools, developmental appropriateness, social development