INFANT/TODDLER

DEVELOPMENT
Digital Portfolio
Mary Jane Walker
EDCI 3055

Social-Emotional Development
 Baby R
Baby R is a child in the Infant two classroom. I did not have consent to
video or photograph Baby R so there is no photographic evidence, only my
anecdotal notes.
 Social emotional development is essential in the early years for
a child’s well-being. If a child is emotionally healthy they are Social Emotional
better at establishing positive relationships with adults and peers. Development
 Basic Trust vs. Mistrust: Babies learn to trust caregivers based on the quality of care
and when the balance of care is loving and sympathetic this psychological conflict is
resolved on the positive side and the baby learns to trust.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt: In toddlerhood, autonomy vs. shame and doubt is
resolved favorably when parents provide young children with suitable guidance and Erickson's Theory
reasonable choices (Berk, 2009, p.246). of Infant and
Toddler
Personality
I observed Baby R frequently visit his teacher, as well as approach new
people who entered the classroom. This shows that Baby R has not yet had
an experience to alter his trust of people within the Lab school. He has not
trust vs. mistrust, only trust.
 Emotional
Development
Because infants cannot
I observed Baby R smiling at his teacher. By verbalize their feelings,
smiling, Baby R is showing the teacher that he enjoyed the determining exactly which

bubbles the teacher was blowing. This facial cue is essential emotions they are experiencing
is a challenge for a caregiver.
for the teacher in order determine what stimulates and For infants, facial expressions
excites the babies and what does not. offer the most reliable cues as
to what emotion the baby is
experiencing and how to
handle it as a caregiver.
Emotions become more varied
and complex as children
reorganize their behavior to
attain new goals.
 Development of
Attachment
Attachment is defined as the strong
affectionate tie we have with
When observing, I did not see Baby L distressed when either special people in our lives that lead
teacher left the room. He did seek their attention to show them toys so us to experience pleasure and joy
when we interact with them and are
there is attachment but Baby R does not seem worried about their comforted by their presence (Berk,
2009, p.261).
absences because he knows they will return.
Infants begin to become attached
to familiar people who have
responded positively to their needs
around 6 months to a year.
 In infancy, the knowledge of the self as a separate, permanent
entity is also emerging along with recognizing and responding
appropriately to familiar people. Self-awareness in infants is seen as
early as the newborn stage when babies realize that they are physically
distinct from their surroundings. Self Development
Self-awareness in infants can be seen when a mirror is placed
in front of the baby and the baby recognizes themselves and begins to
make faces in the mirror and laugh.
Love them
Give your baby kisses, hugs, and snuggles.
Have story time
Read books with your baby. They’ll love looking at the colorful pictures and listening to
your soothing, familiar voice.
Pay attention to their feelings Social and
Respect your baby’s feelings. Be with them when they are happy and upset. Try to be
fully present in the moment with your baby.
Emotional
Act silly
Development:
Make your baby laugh! Parent
Stay close Recommendations
Keep your baby near you when a new person is around. Ask the new person to
approach slowly and not to get too close until the baby has time to know they’re safe around
that person.
Explore with them Refrences:
Loehr M.D, J., & Meyers, J. (2015, July
Take your baby out to see the world! 14). Activities to Enhance Baby's Social
& Emotional Development: 9- 12
Months. Retrieved October 23, 2018,
from
http://www.parents.com/baby/develop
ment/social/a ctivities-to-encourage-
emotional-development-9-12- months/
Berk, L. E. (2005). Infants and Children: Prenatal Through Middle
Childhood. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.

Loehr M.D, J., & Meyers, J. (2015, July 14). Activities to Enhance Baby's
Social & Emotional Development: 9-12 Months. Retrieved October 23,
References
2018, from http://www.parents.com/baby/development/social/activities-to-
encourage-emotional-development-9-12-months/