CE114 Unit Three: Physical and Motor Development of the Infant

Unit Three Course Outcomes CE114-2: Identify milestones in infants, toddlers, and early childhood development. CE114-3: Describe biological and environmental factors affecting infant, toddler, and early childhood development. CE114-4: Describe developmental and environmental factors associated with the safety and health of young children

Thought for the Day “It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it.” Maria Montessori

What does it mean when we say that development is a combination of nature versus nurture?

(NATURE) Maturationist perspective: How does hereditary or genetic tendency influence the child’s development over a set time line? (NURTURE) Behaviorist perspective: How does an outside or environmental factor influence the child’s development? (Black & Puckett, 2005). 5

Topic One How does the motor development of infants extend their ability to interact with people and objects in the environment?

Developmental interactionist perspective: How does the child’s natural ability become enhanced with exposure to appropriate stimulation and cognitive approaches? Systems perspective: How does the child develop on different levels? The development is influenced by values, belief systems, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomics, etc. (Black & Puckett, 2005). 7

Topic Two Share strategies that enhance and encourage the physical and motor development of the toddler. Consider both large and small muscle skills. What suggestions would you have for a new parent who wants to facilitate motor development at home through play?

Summary of Motor Control Milestones Birth to 3 Months: gains more head control, follows objects with eyes, stepping and pushing movements with feet when held upright, etc. 3-6 Months: reaches and slaps with hands, turns over, rocking motions, etc. 6-9 Months: sits unassisted, stands with assistance, stands up, crawling, etc Months: walks with no assistance, stands, crawls on furniture, etc. (Black & Puckett, 2005) 9

Topic Three What are some factors (both developmental and environmental) associated with the safety of infants?

Psychosocial Skills Gaining the attention of others: cooing, crying, reaching out, etc. Reactions to these communication efforts can be negative or positive. Positive reactions: instill self confidence in the infant. Misattributions: destroys the baby’s confidence by expecting the baby to perform beyond appropriate developmental levels. (Black & Puckett, 2005). 11

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs 12

What type of environment will support positive development for infants?

Environments Provide sensorimotor stimulation. Provide a safe and secure environment. Allow the infant to explore and move around in an organized and well designed environment. Have realistic expectations in alignment with the infant’s developmental levels. Support the infant’s cognitive development. (Black & Puckett, 2005). 14

What should an early childhood professional provide to families to support their children’s positive development?

Early Childhood Professionals Will help families locate resources within the community. Will advocate for the child in accordance with safety and child protection laws. Will form a collaborative and supportive relationships with each family. Will create loving and supportive learning environments. Will provide sensorimotor stimulation and developmentally appropriate activities. (Black & Puckett, 2005). 16

Things to Do Complete the Readings Participate in the Discussion Participate in seminar Complete Graded Review Discuss Unit 4 Project

“Infancy conforms to nobody—all conform to it.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think about this…. “The word education must not be understood in the sense of teaching but of assisting the psychological development of the child.” Maria Montessori

Web Resources Keep updated on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s reports Read the article "Healthy Kids, Healthy Care: Toys: What's Safe? What's Appropriate?"