All the DAZE Productions: Child Development

Child Development

Children develop intellectually, physically and socially, step by step, in a progressive manner. Skills are
learned gradually as a child moves through the stages of development. In order to provide an age
appropriate program with activities that enhance the numerous stages of growth and development in
children, the adult should have a good understanding of where the child is coming from, where the child
is at currently, and where he or she is heading in the near future, developmentally.

The following information will provide a basic overview of patterns of development in the growing child.

The Infant (0-1 year old)
Infants are learning all skills including memory, language, thinking and reasoning. A baby is learning to
recognize sounds. She is also learning to focus her vision.

Language development is more than uttering sounds, or words. Listening, understanding, and knowing
the names of people and things are all components of language development. This child enjoys games
like peekaboo and pat-a-cake. Looks in direction of sounds and recognizes words for common items.
Begins to respond to requests and begins babbling.

In the first year of life, children grow at an astounding rate -- many tripling their birth weights. Milestones
such as lifting head, rolling, sitting, creeping, and crawling will all be observed.

During this stage, a baby is also developing bonds of love and trust with you. The way you cuddle, hold,
and play with baby will set the basis for how she will interact with you and others.

Cognitive Development
Cognitive development for your baby means the learning process of memory, language, thinking and
reasoning. A baby is learning to recognize the sound of your voice. She is also learning to focus her
vision from the periphery or the corner of her eyes to the center.

Language Development
Language development is more than uttering sounds, or words. Listening, understanding, and knowing
the names of people and things are all components of language development.
- Enjoys games like peekaboo and pat-a-cake.
- Looks in direction of sounds.
- Recognizes words for common items like cup, shoe, juice.
- Begins to respond to requests ("Come here," "Want more?").
- Babbling has both long and short groups of sounds such as "tata upup bibibibi."
- Uses speech or sounds to get and keep attention.
- Imitates different speech sounds.
- Has one or two words (bye-bye, dada, mama) although they may not be clear.

Physical Development
In the first year of life, children grow at an astounding rate -- many tripling their birth weights. Milestones
such as lifting head, rolling, sitting, creeping, and crawling will all be observed.

Social/Emotional Development
During this stage, a baby is also developing bonds of love and trust with you. The way you cuddle, hold,
and play with baby will set the basis for how she will interact with you and others.

Developmental Delay Warning Signs
The following are possible signs of developmental delay during the first months of a baby's life:
- Sucks poorly and feeds slowly.
- Does not blink when shown a bright light.
- Does not focus and follow a nearby object moving side to side.
- Rarely moves arms and legs, seems stiff, or seems excessively loose in the limbs or floppy.
- Lower jaw trembles constantly, even when not crying or excited.
- Does not respond to loud sounds.
- Does not crawl by twelve months.

Ideas for Care Givers
- Talk to baby. It is soothing to hear your voice.
- Sing to baby.
- Play music. This helps baby develop a love for music and math.
- Read to baby. This helps her develop and understand language and sounds.
- Praise baby and give her lots of loving attention.
- Spend time cuddling and holding baby. This helps her to feel cared for and secure