The problem of mental health and mental development of preschool children attracts the attention of modern psychologists, since the pandemic situation and the associated limitation of opportunities for social interaction have significantly changed the social situation of the development of most preschoolers. At the same time, it is known that the social situation of development is the main factor in the development of the child's psyche, including his psychomotor and cognitive abilities.

The article reveals general approaches and principles of studying and diagnosing children's abilities, shows the specifics of conducting diagnostics of preschool children, and also presents the results of an experimental study of psychomotor and cognitive abilities of preschoolers.

In the course of the study, a set of psychological techniques was also tested, which the authors reasonably recommend using as tools for diagnosing the abilities of older preschool children.