ECD 102: Growth and Development I

Developmental Domain by Age

Age Group: Birth to 6 months
Developmental Domain: Cognitive and Language
Developmental Milestones:
Listens attentively to sounds and voices (c)
Cries for assistance (c)
Recognizes and responds to name (c)
Coo (l)
By 6 months, they babble (l)
Developmental Characteristics and Needs:
Doesnt have object permanence (c)
Object hunger (c)
Cries to communicate (c)
Sing/Read to them (n)
Talk to them (n)
Developmental Influences:
Health/Nutrition- a childs brain cant develop right if they dont have the
proper nutrition
Environment- if the child doesnt have toys or opportunities to learn in their
environment they wont develop as fast
Caregiver- if the caregiver provides the proper environment, equipment, and
opportunities for children, the child will prosper
Poverty- if the child doesnt have the appropriate toys and books to
manipulate then they wont develop quickly
Exceptionality- if the child has an exceptionality that affects their brain, they
wont develop quickly either
Characteristics of Learning Environment:
Lots of books
Many manipulative and cause and effect toys
Open Space
Supportive Caregivers
Safe and Developmentally Appropriate
Adult Roles:
Encourage children
Observe children
Dont interrupt something they are interested in unless necessary
Set up a safe but developmentally appropriate classroom
Have the appropriate knowledge
Research and Theory:
Jean Piaget
Childrens cognitive development passes through stages
He believed that childrens intellectual growth is based partly on physical
development
Children build their own understanding of the world
Keep babies safe but interested
Professional References:
Miller, Karen. (2001). Ages and Stages. Telshare Publishing Co. Inc.