Which characteristic is indicative of a child's cognitive development during early childhood?

The characteristic that signifies a child's cognitive development during early childhood is the ability to think symbolically and engage in imaginative play. This reflects significant cognitive growth as children in this developmental stage begin to use symbols and language to represent objects and ideas, enhancing their ability to think abstractly and creatively.

Imaginative play also fosters problem-solving skills, social interactions, and emotional understanding. For instance, when children play house or pretend to be superheroes, they are not only exploring their own ideas but also learning to navigate social roles and relationships, which is fundamental in early cognitive development.

The other options focus on different areas of development or skills that typically come later. While skills in basic arithmetic and understanding time are important cognitive milestones, they are more commonly achieved in later childhood. Large motor skills pertain to physical development, and while they play an integral role in overall growth, they do not specifically denote cognitive development.