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Module 2: Child Growth and Development

Introduction to Child Development

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Studying and understanding child development is an important part of teaching young children. No two children are alike. Children differ in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth patterns. They also differ in the ways they respond to play, affection, objects, and people in their environment.

Think of the children that you know; each is different from the others. Some may always appear to be happy, while other children’s personalities may not seem as pleasant. Some children are active, and still others are typically quiet. You may even find that some children are easier to like.

To help all of these children, you need to understand the sequence of their development. Knowledge of child development is essential to guiding young children and planning a developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Development refers to change or growth that occurs in a child. By studying child development, you will develop a profile of what children can do at various ages. Understanding growth and development will help you plan appropriate programs for children. For instance, you will learn that two-year-old children like to run. This means that you should provide space for them to move freely. Likewise, you will learn that infants explore through their senses, often mouthing objects. Knowing this, you will need to make sure that all toys for infants are clean and safe.

Child care licensing uses names to describe young children at different ages. For the first year after birth, a child is called an infant. From the first year until 2 1/2, the child is often called toddler. The term preschooler is used to describe children ages 2 1/2 to 5.

The school-age child refers to children in between 5 and 12 years of age. This is also referred to as the middle childhood stage.


Ages and Stages of Middle Childhood
Source: Parks and Recreation Ontario
10:30 minutes

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Helping Children Grow and Learn

Between 5 and 12 years, children become more self-sufficient and independent.  Peers and teachers play an increasingly important role in their lives. They are self-sufficient and independent.   Their circle of friends and acquaintances expands far beyond their own family members.  These friendships and school-related activities are taking more and more of their time.  As a result, they are learning to adopt new social rules and expectations.

Though developmental changes continue to occur throughout the school-age years, the changes are not as dramatic as they were during infancy and toddlerhood.  During the school-age years, the brain undergoes changes that allow more highly developed thinking skills. As a result, the children are becoming better problem solvers.  They are also growing in self-knowledge and understanding. School-age children are beginning the process of entering the adult world and are attending more to their own needs.  They are becoming better able to get themselves up in the morning, bathe, dress, and eat without adult assistance.  Most families expect more of their school-age children because of their improved skills.  Often they assist with cooking, dish washing, and laundry chores.  They are also capable of helping with younger siblings.

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School-Age Staff 20 Hour Basic Training

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