...CHAPTER 4 Early Childhood Early childhood (2 years to 6 years) is a critical period in the development of the human potential. Foundations for all aspects of development are laid during this stage. It is the period of the development of initiative. The child acts on his needs. If these attempts are supported and are quite successful, he develops a sense of confidence in himself. It is also referred to as preschool age. This child’s physical and motor development affects not only his succeeding physical growth and motor development but also his sense of identity and sense of control. His acquisition of language and understanding of concepts influence his intellectual development. His social interactions with his family and significant others determine how he progresses socially and emotionally. The family and the preschool need to be aware of the characteristics and needs in this stage so they can facilitate maximum growth and development of the child. Characteristics of Early Childhood Early childhood is characterized by the things young children do and learn when they are about three to six years old. 1. Activity Age - A healthy child engages in all kinds of tasks. 2. Discovery Age – The young child starts to learn many things about himself and his environment. 3. Exploration Age – The child manipulates his body and his environment. 4. Socialization Age – The child begins to meet people in his neighborhood and community. 5. Imitation...
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...agencies that provide health, education, and human services. The neural circuits which are a part of the brain that creates the foundation for learning, behavior, and health, are most susceptible to change during the first three years of life. In order to intercept and encourage the effectiveness of intervention, early diagnosis and identification is critical. Extreme poverty, abuse and neglect, or severe maternal depression leads to damage that can have a life time effect in learning, behavior, and physical and mental health. Intervention in these areas can provide education and resources for proper nutrition, health and mental health screenings. Positive early experiences strengthens the brain while early social and emotional development provides a firm foundation for the building of cognitive and language skills. (Goode, Diefondorf, and Colgan, 2011). Recognizing early childhood is a distinct period prime for intervention, IDEA requires all states and localities to develop a system of services to target this age group. This requirement is to reduce the need of, or reduce the amount of, special education services, enhance the development of children, and encourage family involvement in a collaboration of professionals to improve outcomes for the children. In recognition of the ever changing demographics, programs were developed to address the needs of children of diverse families. This slightly changes the dynamic of previously...
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...The nature of childhood, and changes in the status of children in the family and society key ideas 1) Industrialisation and changes to childhood Pre-industrial Britain had no concept of childhood - Everyone was held responsible for actions and Tudor law stated that a 7 year old can be hanged After industrialisation, these beliefs stayed within the working class children were an economic asset. Middle class families saw a decline in infant mortality rates and so family sizes declined. In the 19th century, children were banned from working in mines. 2) 20th century childhood A child-centered society emerged at this time due to improvements in living standards and nutrition thus leading to a decrease in infant mortality rates. Children also became an expensive business as parents began to favour consumption over primary interaction. Childhood and adolescence became largely separate from adulthood and children were seen as needing protecting 3) Children and the state Compulsory education lasts until 11 years of age. The role of child services bag to police at-risk families. The 2004 Children Act focuses on wellbeing of children from birth to age 19. In 2007, the Department for Children, Schools and Families was created to make sure children stay healthy, safe and enjoy childhood. The Child Support Act 1991 deals with care and upbringing of children. 4) Teenage parents From studies by the Social Exclusion Unit, teenage parents were said to be caused by low...
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...it is affiliated with a wide range of health problems throughout a person’s lifespan. While there are many circumstances that play a role in infant mortality and low birth weight, a major component is living conditions the expected mothers are exposed to. This can be linked to the financial status of the parents. In Canada, the infant mortality rate is 60% higher and the low birth rate is 43% higher in the poorest income quintile than the richest quintile (Raphael, 2010). The effects of income on health are best portrayed by the living conditions to which children are exposed to. Income not only has a direct relationship with children’s health but various developmental outcomes as well. Income is a great indicator for the quality of nutrition, clothing, and housing children receive as well as the opportunities they may have available to them when it comes to education and recreation. There is a concern rising for Canadians because income inequalities among families are increasing while the housing and food security situation is decreasing. This is a problem because children are being...
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...Infancy and Early Childhood Development PSY375 September 1, 2014 Lindsey Respress Infancy and Early Childhood Development Families can affect the development of infants and young children beginning at the moment they are born. Their height, weight and “head circumference that can tell if the brain is growing.(Berger 2011, p. 23),” could be affected by neglect of proper care and making doctor appointments regularly to be aware if there are problems in the growth of the child. Proper nutrition and sleep is important for their bodies and bodies. According to Berger (2011), A lack of either can affect the “brain maturation, learning, emotional regulation, and academic success (p. 125).”. Infants must sleep as much as possible and will gradually decrease as they get older. Doctor visits can catch any abnormalities that can occur because of the lack of food or sleep. A child’s brain is like a sponge and all stages of the childhood they are learning from their environment. During infancy the love that is shown to a child by holding, caressing, touching is giving them a positive response in the future but neglect can engage negative responses that can from difficulties in the future such as, social interaction and learning disabilities. Berger (2011) indicates that there could be “lifelong damage (p. 132).” Stimulation is very important in the brain growth of an infant and early childhood. Too much stimulation that is not age appropriate is not beneficial and it depends...
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...to develop slow and steady growth including: brain maturity, strong muscles, and other body organs good nutrition and hygiene is important. Immunizations helps prevent a lot of childhood diseases and viruses. Two of the most common health problems seen in school-age children are asthma and obesity. If the three levels of prevention is applied this can help in the health of a child. Primary Prevention- Happens before the sickness occur. Like making the environment better for a child. Secondary Prevention- Avoid on-set conditions. Staying consistent with routine check-ups. Tertiary Prevention- Treating the problem after it occurs. Teaching and learning Children begin to make sense of their situations. Children become more systematic and objective Thinking Children are able to organize their knowledge and utilize it when needed and in the correct way. Brain development As the brain continues to develop in middle childhood, several behaviors that were common in early childhood can be controlled, like emotional outburst. Ongoing maturation allows children to analyze the consequences of their behaviors before engaging in them which naturally improves with age. This video shows a good understanding of what selective and automation attention is in middle childhood Special needs children There are many different disorders that a child can develop during middle childhood. Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound cognitive impairment, terminal...
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...Appropriate Classroom Environment Taheera Clark Administration of Early Childhood Ed. Programs ECE312 Professor Toro January 16, 2012 Developmentally Appropriate Practices are based on research that proves overwhelmingly that quality early childhood experiences foster optimal development of the whole child. The classroom serves as a developmentally appropriate learning environment which supports children’s initiatives to explore, investigate, observe and experiment, while allowing for appropriate risk taking within safe boundaries. In a developmentally appropriate classroom, assessment of young children is ongoing, authentic, and purposeful. Observational assessment shows children’s progress over time, while work samples and documentation of students’ work help to guide the curriculum plan. Teachers adapt instruction to the developmental needs and learning styles of the students; results of assessment are used to improve and individualize instruction. Teachers create an intellectually engaging, responsive environment to promote each child’s learning and development. This environment fosters self-esteem, self-concept and social competence. The following guidelines describe aspects of a developmentally appropriate environment: * The classroom contains areas in which children can select and plan their activities. * The classroom has areas for quiet and active social interactions. * The classroom contains clearly labeled areas with words and pictures to encourage...
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...for Elizabeth Darkhabani’s EC120/EEC1734 Section 01 Health Safety and Nutrition Spring 2013. Ensuring a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant’s needs As an early childhood educator I must have knowledge and understanding of children and their process of development and growth, training in the policies and guidelines of the childcare facility, skills to implement developmentally appropriate practices, age appropriate curriculum and effective communication skills to build and maintain relationships with the families in order to ensure a well-run, purposeful high-quality program responsive to participant’s needs. High quality standards in early education for children are met with implementing these six major goals. The first goal is to maximize the health status of the child. I would implement this goal by keeping the environment and the toys that the children use clean and sanitized daily. I would also discuss with parents care routines such as brushing and flossing and suitable times for bed to maintain the well-being of their child at home. The second goal is minimizing risks. Posting emergency procedures and practicing them periodically is what I would do to minimize risks of panics in an actual emergency. The third goal is using education as a tool. I would access community resources such as dentists and doctors to come and speak with the children about their health and nutrition. I would also send home information pamphlets and websites that will encourage...
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...occurs in spurts after the age of 6 months, and the birth length increases by 50% by the age of 12 months. * Head circumference – The circumference of infants’ heads increases approximately 1.5 cm (0.6 in) * per month for the first 6 months of life, and then approximately 0.5 cm (0.2 in) between 6 and 12 months of age. Maturation of Systems * The respiratory rate slows somewhat and is relatively stable * The heart slows and the rhythm is soften sinus dysrhythmia * Systolic pressure rises during first 2 months and diastolic pressure rises first 3 months * The liver is the most immature of all the GI throughout infancy * Thermoregulation becomes more efficient. * A shift in total body fluid occurs Nutrition * Feeding alternatives * Breastfeeding provides a complete diet for infants during the first 6 months. * Iron-fortified formula is an acceptable alternative to breast milk. Cow’s milk is not recommended. * It is recommended to begin vitamin D supplements within the first few days of life. * Iron supplements are recommended for infants who are being exclusively breastfed after the age of 4 months. * Alternative sources of fluids, such as juice or water, are not needed during the first 4 months of life * After the age of 6 months, 100% fruit juice should be limited to 4 to 6 oz. per day. * Solids are...
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...Growth and Development Paper ECE 205 February 20, 2012 The first years of life are the most important stage of human development. During the early childhood years, the brain goes through drastic changes that are influenced by our genes, as well as our environment. It is the responsibility of adults in our society to take care of their children’s emotional and cognitive needs of children in order to see the progress in each child individually. In this paper I will describe how the concept of development differs from the concept of growth. I will summarize the domains of development and analyze each developmental milestone and the purpose of each. Finally I will identify and explain the factors that might contribute to atypical development. “An understanding of child development is essential, allowing us to fully appreciate the cognitive, emotional, physical, social and educational growth that children go through from birth and into early adulthood” (Cherry, 2012). Infants, toddlers, and children all have particular capabilities and needs. Even though it may not seem like it, growth and development are two different things. There are no similarities between growth and development, and it is easy to distinguish the two. Development “relates to qualitative basis while growth is to quantitative measurement”. In other words, development takes place mentally and in the knowledge and skills children produce. Children with developmental...
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...The first years of life are the most important stage of human development. During the early childhood years, the brain goes through drastic changes that are influenced by our genes, as well as our environment. It is the responsibility of adults in our society to take care of their children’s emotional and cognitive needs of children in order to see the progress in each child individually. In this paper I will describe how the concept of development differs from the concept of growth. I will summarize the domains of development and analyze each developmental milestone and the purpose of each. Finally I will identify and explain the factors that might contribute to atypical development. “An understanding of child development is essential, allowing us to fully appreciate the cognitive, emotional, physical, social and educational growth that children go through from birth and into early adulthood” (Cherry, 2012). Infants, toddlers, and children all have particular capabilities and needs. Even though it may not seem like it, growth and development are two different things. There are no similarities between growth and development, and it is easy to distinguish the two. Development “relates to qualitative basis while growth is to quantitative measurement”. In other words, development takes place mentally and in the knowledge and skills children produce. Children with developmental difficulty because of a disorder, special needs, etc., can gain from participating in a program with a...
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...Action against child labour ( ilo) IPEC’s aim is the progressive elimination of child labour worldwide, with the eradication of the worst forms an urgent priority. Since it began operations in 1992, IPEC has worked to achieve this in several ways: through country-based programmes which promote policy reform, build institutional capacity and put in place concrete measures to end child labour; and through awareness raising and mobilization intended to change social attitudes and promote ratification and effective implementation of ILO child labour Conventions. These efforts have resulted in hundreds of thousands of children being withdrawn from work and rehabilitated or prevented from entering the workforce. Complementary to this direct action throughout has been substantial in-depth statistical and qualitative research, policy and legal analysis, programme evaluation and child labour monitoring, which have permitted the accumulation of vast knowledge base of statistical data and methodologies, thematic studies, good practices, guidelines and training materials. Use the menu on the left to explore the many areas addressed by IPEC in the fight against child labour. Child labour and education Education is a crucial component of any effective effort to eliminate child labour. There are many interlinked explanations for child labour. No single factor can fully explain its persistence and, in some cases, growth. The way in which different causes, at different levels, interact...
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...Development Process of Premature and Late Adolescence Adolescence is the physical and mental growth from childhood to adulthood. This change can derive from psychological, social and biological modifications. Although it is assumed that teenagers range from 13 to 19, the transformation to adulthood is different for everyone depending largely on how and where they were raised. Among different continents, countries and even within the United States, people hold a different idea of when teenagers become an adult and assume rights and privileges that only adults have such as sexual relationships, driving, voting, drinking and getting a job. Compared to the various stages of infancy and childhood, the adolescent stages are supplied with amplified stages of confidentiality and lessened amounts of parental guidance. Premature Adolescence The early adolescence stage is composed of children from 10 to 14 years of age. Children begin this stage when the hormones in their bodies reach advanced levels and begin puberty. Children in this stage make judgments based on the friends they have made various activities they have decided to participate in. Premature adolescence appears to be mostly about self rule and private inclinations towards the outside world. Late Adolescence The late adolescence stage is found in children from 15 to 18 years of age. Children in this stage are adept at creating self assessments and typically do not seek higher counsel due to a desire to be self...
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...Warm and Responsive Parenting Kansas State University Yihan Wang Introduction Giving a warm and responsive care has being highlighted as the best method to take care of our children, and being emphasized thought out our learning of Childhood Education. The impact of parenting style on the children' development is dramatic for both physical and mental aspects. The influence of early childhood experiences will lasting for a long period, it will affect their cognitive, biology and psychosocial development. Therefore, as a future educator I want talk about this specific way to give care and the effects of warm and responsive care. What does "warm and responsive care" mean? Babies are delicate, raising a baby will never be a easy task, they need love, patient and balanced nutrition. Giving a warm and responsive care means you need always meet your babies' needs, and provide emotional security for them. The security come from attachment, time spending could be an important indicator, the more time you spend with them, the more secure they feel. Except spending time with them as a caregiver we should also be willing to satisfy their need. For example, feed them before they cry, giving comfort when they are up set, always be aware of their bodies' cues could help you. Why warm and responsive care could be such important? We could easily find many differences between well cared children and poor cared children in almost...
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...The Social Context of Childhood Describe and analyse how social factors impact upon children and young people and consider how your setting and practice responds to it. The concept about the nature of childhood has changed in significant ways over time. According to James & Prout (1997) the beginning of the twentieth century has marked what they refer to as 'Century of Child'. This is the time when children were acknowledged as the future of every country. Serious attention was paid to things such as children’s health and education. Also many campaigns were formed to relieve child poverty, which led to the first major success of the Family Allowances Act (1946). This act offered a regular sum for second and subsequent children to be paid to the mother, raising the living standards of children and providing a better quality of life. However over the years particular attention has been paid to the environment that children live and the impact that it has upon their development and life chances. Bronfrebnner (1979) looks at the environment as a layered complex where each layer has an effect on child’s development and life chances. He believed that interaction between factors in the child’s maturing biology, his immediate family/community environment, and the social background fuels and directs his development. Bronfrebnner (1979) continues that modifications or conflict in any one layer of child’s environment will flow through other layers. Furthermore Paquette...
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