Child Development Birth to Age

COURSE: Early Childhood Education I UNIT B

Twelve

Understand principles and domains of child development,

COMPETENCY: 4.00 B2 21% developmental characteristics of children, and theories of
child development.
OBJECTIVE: 4.02 B2 7% Understand developmental characteristics of children.
Essential Question: What are some developmental characteristics of children at various ages?
UNPACKED CONTENT
Developmental characteristics are behaviors and attributes that are typical for an age group of
children. Knowledge of these characteristics enables early childhood professionals to plan
appropriate programs, curricula, and activities. Here are some types of behaviors/attributes often
addressed in developmental characteristics for the six domains of child development.
Physical Development and Health
Hand-to-mouth coordination
Vision, eye-hand coordination
Mobility
Fine and gross motor skills
Self-help skills

Average height and weightReflexes, types of body movements,

degree of body coordination
Ability to lift, support, move head
Abilities with hands
Questioning
Connecting words with people, things
Reading, writing, speaking, and
listening skills

Language Development and CommunicationVocalizations, sounds, cries, laughter

Use of facial expressions, gestures, and
other body language to communicate
Approaches to Learning
Desire for independence
Attempts to solve problems
Length of attention span

Responses; appreciation of beautySigns of curiosity, interest, creative thinking

Recognition of familiar things
Imitation
Following and finding things
Interest in books, TV, computer, etc.

Cognitive Development Preferences

Recognition of people, things
Development of memory; anticipation
Demonstrations of feelings
 Emerging fears

Emotional DevelopmentReactions to positive and negative factors

Ability to calm oneself, manage feelings
Social Development
Evidence of desire for social contact
Evidence of trust; search for approval
Testing limits

Understanding of self in relation to othersStyles of play, interactions with others

Signs of concern, affection