Principles of Childhood Development

Period of Development (ages and stages)

● Infant - birth to 12 months

● Toddlers - 12-36 months
● Preschoolers - Kindergarteners - 3-6 years
● School age children - 6-8 years

Principles of Child Development

6 underlying principles / main beliefs that serve as a framework for the contemporary study of
child development

1. The child develops as a whole

2. Development follows predictable pattern
3. Rates of development vary
4. Development is influence by maturation (nature) and experience (nurture)
5. Development proceeds from top-down (cephalocaudal) and center-outward (proximo
distal
6. Culture affects development

1. Child Develops as a whole

Domains of development

● Physical - child uses senses and body to explore the world

○ Fine Motor
○ Large Motor
○ Sensory
● Cognitive - acquiring and organizing information, use of reason
● Language - thinking, doing, perceiving
● Social and emotional - learning to relate to others, make moral choices (social). Learn to
recognize and trust other’s feelings (emotional)

All these areas of developments or domains are occurring at the same time. All are
interconnected and influenced by one another.

2. Development Follows Predictable Patterns

● Universally and through a continuum of development

3. Rate of Development Vary

● Development is personalized to each child
● Continuum of development
 4. Development Influenced by Maturation and Experience
● Maturation - unfolding of the genetically determined potential as the child grows
older (nature)
● Experience - interactions with the environment, people, and things (nurture)

5. Development proceeds from top-down (cephalocaudal) and center-outward

(proximo distal)

6. Culture affects development

● Values and beliefs of each culture determines experiences and opportunities to
children

Summary:

● Principles apply to all children

● Oftentimes several principles are overlapping during the same situation
● Knowing these general principles can help educators predict and plan for the 4 ages and
stages of development

Factors that affect Child’s Growth and Development

Child development is a process every child goes through. This process involves learning and
mastering skills. Children learn these skills called developmental milestones during
predictable time periods.

There are 5 main areas of child development:

1. Cognitive Development - child’s ability to learn and solve math problems

2. Social and Emotional Development - ability to interact with others and handle your
emotions and have self-control
3. Speech and Language Development - child’s ability to both understand and use
language
4. Fine Motor Skill Development - ability to use small muscles, specifically their hands
and fingers
5. Gross Motor Skill Development - ability to use large muscles

The Main Factors in Child’s Growth and Development

1. -Heredity - the transmission of physical characteristics from parents to children through

their genes
2. Environment - the sum total of physical and psychological stimulation the child receives
3. Sex - boys and girls grow in different ways especially nearing puberty
4. Social Status - the socio-economic status of the family determines the quality of the
opportunity the child gets

Reflexes on Newborns - ensures protection of baby (need for survival)

Grasp / palmar reflex

- hand curls up to hold objects

- disappear more or less 6 months

Stepping / Walking Reflex

- Looks like walking but not

- Held upright with feet touching the ground
- Disappears about 4 months

Rooting Reflex

- Stroking of infant’s cheeks

- Disappears 3 to 4 months
Moro Reflex

- Sudden move; loud noise

- Startled
- Disappears about 2 months

Fencing/Tonic Neck Reflex

- fencing hand position

1st pic: Plantar reflex

- touched on the sole of the foot

2nd pic: Babinski reflex

- Stroke the side of the foot

- Toes fan out and curls inside
- Disappears 1 year
Skin Appearance

Mongolian spot or genitalia melanocytosis

Port-wine Stain

- usually near eyelids

Stork Bite

- usually found in back of neck

- like capillaries flattened
Erythema Toxicum

- like rash or flea bite

Desquamation

Milia
 Vernix caseosa

- don’t remove right after delivery,

- provides warmth
- yellowish-white

caput succedaneum - swelling of scalp

Lanugo - soft hair, shoulder or cheeks, usually in

premature babies

4 types of temperament

1. Sanguine 

- Outgoing and extroverted

- People-centered
- Helpful
- Likely found in women and men
 - Overly talkative and active

People with sanguine temperaments are people-oriented, exhibiting traits such as outgoing and
extroverted. 

Moreover, they emphasize people are working together and trying to do good for one another, 
generally being helpful overall. It is the most common type of temperament and typically either a
primary type or secondary type.

This temperament type is just as likely to be found in men as it is in women. Some people are
considered "super sanguine" because they are so overly talkative and active that it can be
overwhelming to be around them.

Sanguine Characteristics

People with the sanguine temperament type have a wide range of emotions and a wide range of
behavior. They are the most versatile of all the temperaments. Depending on their secondary
temperament, they might be involved in nearly any human activity. However, they enjoy
occasions when they can interact with or change their environment.

2. Phlegmatic

- Introvert
- Service-oriented
- Quiet life centered on home and family

Phlegmatic temperaments are also common, but they can be seen as almost the opposite of
sanguine temperaments. 

People with this temperament type are service-oriented, exhibiting introverted personality traits,
but will work with others to achieve a common goal. These people may seem passive and lack
general ambition or specifically to accomplish a goal or milestone. 

However, it is also possible to have a sanguine type primarily and a secondary type of
phlegmatic, or the other way around.

Phlegmatic Characteristics

The passiveness of the phlegmatic temperament type leads to a distinct set of characteristics.
They are easy-going, calm, and unemotional. They can be indecisive and agreeable and are
usually happy to allow others to make decisions for them.

Phlegmatic temperament people are slow to warm up to others but will make friends fairly easily.
They are one of the easiest temperament types to get along with because they are so agreeable
and patient. However, they stick closely to their routines and resist change.

Phlegmatic Traits
People with a phlegmatic temperament tend to live quiet lives centered around home and family.
They don't get involved in the world around them or with other people. However, they are
fiercely loyal to their friends and will stick with a relationship regardless of what the other person
does or says. However, once a relationship does break, they are not likely to return to it.

3. Melancholy

- Cautious type
- Detailed and quality-oriented
- May be perfectionist
- Rule follower

When most people hear the word melancholy, they think of depression. However, the
melancholy temperament type is not necessarily depressed so much as they are cautious.
Those with melancholy temperaments are detail and quality-oriented, obsessing with
understanding what is right.  Also, they might be seen as paying strict attention to detail, which
could make them out as perfectionists. This is another common temperament type.

Melancholy Characteristics

The melancholy temperament is a rule follower. They can be cautious and tentative in unfamiliar
environments, but they can also become aggressive when faced with an unfavorable situation.
They are private and introverted.

This temperament is factual, logical, and analytical. To function without anxiety, these people
need to have a solid action plan and follow it to the letter.

4. Choleric

- Result-driven
- Goal is achieving their desires
- Self-confidence and extrovert
- Independent and strong
- Enjoy taking risks but gets bored easily

The choleric temperament is the rarest of the four primary types. 

Those with a choleric temperament are results-driven by making goals and sticking with them
until they are completed. Thus, they exhibit a positive demeanor and are constantly moving
forward. Despite any opposition, they face everything with the mindset of getting results and
achieving their desires.

It is more common for choleric to be a secondary temperament, although this is not as common
as other combinations.

Choleric Characteristics
People with a choleric temperament are extroverted and exude self-confidence. They are
independent and strong-willed. They have quick minds and are generally active and practical in
their activities. Their communication style is assertive and direct, often brief, almost to the point
of rudeness.

Summary of Infant Growth and Development

Month Motor Fine Motor Socialization and Play

Development Development Language
0–1 Largely reflex Keeps hands fisted; Enjoys watching the
able to follow object face of the primary
to the midline. caregiver, listening to
soothing sounds.
2 Holds head up Has social smile Makes cooing Enjoys bright-colored
when prone sounds; mobiles
differentiates cry
3 Holds head and Follows object past Laughs out loud Spends time looking at
chest up when midline hands or uses them as
prone toys during the month
(hand regard)

4 Grasp, stepping, Needs space to turn

tonic neck
reflexes are
fading

5 Turns front to Handles rattle well

back; no longer
has a head
lag when pulled
upright; bears
partial weight on
feet when held
upright.
6 Turns both Uses palmar grasp May say vowel Enjoys bathtub toys,
ways; Moro sounds (oh-oh) rubber ring for teething
reflex fading
7 Reaches out in Transfers object Shows beginning Likes objects that are
anticipation of hand to hand fear of strangers a good size for
being picked up; transferring
first tooth
(central
incisor) erupts;
sits
unsteadily (still
needs support
8 Sits securely Has peak fear of Enjoys manipulation,
without support strangers (ability rattles, and toys of
to tell known from different textures
unknown
people)
9 Creeps or crawls Says first word Needs space for
(abdomen off the (da-da) creeping
floor)

10 Pulls self to Uses pincer grasp Plays games like

standing (thumb and finger) patty-cake and
to pick up peek-a-boo
small objects
11 “Cruises” (walks “Cruises”
with
support)
12 Stands alone; Holds cup and Says two words Likes toys that fit inside
some infants spoon well; helps to plus ma-ma and each other (pots and
take the first step dress (pushes arms da-da pans); nursery rhymes;
into the sleeve) will like to pull toys as
soon as walking

Milestones of Toddler Growth and Development

Age Fine Motor Gross Motor Language Play

(Months)
15 Puts small pellets Walks alone well; 4–6 words Can stack 2 blocks;
into small bottles. can seat self in a enjoys being read to;
Scribbles voluntarily chair; can creep drops toys for adults
with a pencil or upstairs. to recover (exploring
crayon. Holds a the sense of
spoon well but may permanence).
still turn it upside
down on the way to
mouth.

18 No longer rotates a Can run and jump in 7–20 words, Imitates household
spoon to bring it to place. Can walk up use chores, dusting,
the mouth. and down stairs jargoning; etc.; begins
holding onto a names 1 parallel play
person’s hand or body part (playing beside not
railing. Typically with another child).
places both feet on
one step before
advancing
24 Can open doors by Walks upstairs alone 50 words, Parallel play
turning doorknobs, still using both feet 2-word evident
unscrew lids. on the same step at sentences
the same time. (noun-prono
un and
verb), such
as “Daddy
go,” “I
come”.
30 Makes simple lines Can jump down from Verbal
or strokes for chairs language
Spends time
crosses increasing
playing house,
steadily.
imitating parents’
Knows full
actions; play is
name; can “rough-housing” or
name one fingers to show
color and age.
holds up
fingers to
show age.
 Summary of Preschool Growth and Development

Age Fine Motor Gross Motor Language Play

(yr)
3 Undresses self; stacks Runs; alternates feet A vocabulary of Able to take turns
tower of blocks; draws on stairs; rides 900 words very imaginative
a cross tricycle;
4 Can do simple buttons Constantly in A vocabulary of Pretending is a
motion; jumps; skips 1500 words major activity

5 Draws a 6-part man; Throws overhand A vocabulary of

can lace shoes 2100 words

Summary of School-Age Development

Age (yr) Physical Development Psychosocial and Cognitive

6 A year of constant motion;
skipping is a new skill; first
molars erupt.
Development
The first-grade teacher
becomes an authority figure;
adjustment to all-day school
may be difficult and
lead to nervous
manifestations of fingernail
biting, etc. Defines words by
their use: a key is
to unlock a door, not a metal
object.

7 Central incisors erupt; the A quiet year; striving for

difference between sexes
becomes apparent in play
(video games vs. dolls);
spends time in quiet play.
perfection leads to this year
being called an eraser year.
Conservation (water poured
from tall container to a wide,
flat
one is the same amount of
water) is learned; can
tell time; can make a simple
change.
8 Coordination definitely
improved; playing with gang
becomes important; eyes
become fully developed
“Best friends” develop;
whispering and giggling
begin; can write as well as
print; understands concepts
of past, present, and future.

9 All activities are done with Gang age; a 9-year-old club

the gang. is formed to spite someone,
has secret codes, is all boy
or all girl; gangs disband and
reform quickly.

10 Coordination improves. Ready for camp away from

home; collecting age;
likes rules; ready for
competitive games.

11 Active, but awkward and Insecure with members of

ungainly. the opposite sex; repeats
off-color jokes.
12 Coordination improves. A sense of humor is present;
is social and
cooperative

Sexual Maturation in Adolescents

Age Males Females

(yr)

13– Growth spurt continuing; pubic hair
15 abundant and curly; testes, scrotum, and
penis enlarging further; axillary hair
present; facial hair fine and downy; voice
changes happening with annoying
frequency
15– Genitalia adult; pubic hair abundant and
16 curly; scrotum dark and heavily rugated;
facial and body hair present; sperm
production mature
Pubic hair thick and curly, triangular in
distribution, breast, areola, and papilla
form secondary mound; menstruation is
ovulatory, making pregnancy possible
Pubic hair curly and abundant (adult);
may extend into the medial aspect of
thighs; breast tissue adult and nipples
protrude; areolas no longer project as
separate ridges from breasts; may have
some degree of facial acne
16– Pubic hair curly and abundant (adult), End of skeletal growth
17 may extend along the medial aspect of
thighs; testes, scrotum, and penis adult in
size; may have some degree of facial
acne; gynecomastia (enlarged breast
tissue), if present fades
17– End of skeletal growth
18

Adolescence Stage

● 12 to 20 years
● Psychosocial development- Identity vs Role confusion
● Psychosexual development- Genital stage (sexual maturation and learns how to
establish a satisfactory relationship with the opposite sex
● Encourage verbalization of feeling about a new relationship
● Provide opportunities to relate with the opposite sex
● Encourage separation from parents and achievement of independence
● Nocturnal emission is a physiologic reflex to release build-up semen

Measures to Prevent Accidents in Adolescents

Accident Health Teaching Measure

Motor vehicle

Use a seat belt whether as a driver or passenger.

Do not drink alcohol while driving, and refuse to ride with anyone who has been drinking.

Wear a helmet and long trousers as driver or passenger on a motorcycle.

Accepting dares has no place in safe driving.

Take a driver education course to learn safe driving habits for both two-wheel and
four-wheel vehicles.

Firearms

Always consider all guns loaded and potentially lethal.

Learn safe gun handling before attempting to clean a gun or hunt.

Drowning

Learn how to swim.

Follow safe water rules, such as never swimming alone, no diving into the shallow end of
swimming pools, no hyperventilating before swimming underwater, no swimming beyond your
own limit.

Taking dares has no place in water safety.

Sports

Use protective equipment, such as face masks for hockey, pads for football.

Do not attempt participation beyond physical limits.

Careful preparation for sports through training is essential to safety.

Recognize and set own limits for sports participation.

Patient’s Bill of Rights and Rights of a Child

1. The client has the right to considerate and respectful care

2. The client has the right to obtain from his physician complete current information
concerning his diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms the client can be reasonably
expected to understand
3. The client has the right to receive from his physician information necessary to give
informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment
4. The client has the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be
informed of the medical consequences of his action
5. The client has the right to expect every consideration of his privacy concerning his own
medical care program
6. The client has the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his
care should be treated as confidential
7. The client has the right to expect that, within its capacity, the hospital must provide a
reasonable response to his/her request for services
8. The client has the right to obtain information regarding any relationship of his hospital to
other health care and educational institutions in so far as his care is concerned
9. The client has the right to be advised if the hospital proposes to engage in or perform
human experimentation affecting his / her care or treatment. The client has the right to
refuse to participate in such research projects
10. The client has the right to expect reasonable continuity of care
11. The client has the right to examine and receive an explanation of the hospital bill,
regardless of the source of payment
12. The client has the right to know what hospital rules and regulations apply to his/her
conduct as a client.
12 Rights of Filipino Children

1. Every child has the right to be born well. It is the responsibility of the parents to make
sure they can provide a safe environment for their unborn child. This includes proper
medical attention and care from conception, birth, and throughout childhood years in a
newborn services unit or pediatric care center.
2. Every child has the right to wholesome family life. The child’s first learning environment
and teachers are their home and family. They are entitled to be a part of a loving family
that will instill ethical values and morals in them.
3. Every child has the right to be raised well and become a contributing member of society.
By raising them in a safe and loving environment, parents and guardians can shape the
personalities of their young to be useful and contributing members of their respective
communities when they grow older.
4. Every child has the right to basic needs. The four basic needs of people outlined in the
law are as follows: a balanced diet, adequate clothing, sufficient shelter, and proper
healthcare. This also includes any other requirements to lead a healthy and active life.
5. Every child has the right to access what they need to have a good life. This right goes
beyond the basic needs and focuses more on the atmosphere of the place they will be
raised in. A child’s needs must always be attended to so they feel the support of people
around them, which in turn will build and strengthen their character in adulthood.
6. Every child has the right to education. In an ideal world, every child should have the
means to go to a classroom and have access to books and learning materials that can
enrich their intelligence and skills.
7. Every child has the right to play and enjoy their youth. Children have the right to engage
in wholesome recreational activities whenever they wish and not be exploited for events
that are deemed only for adults to do, i.e., intensive manual labor.
8. Every child has the right to be protected from danger. This includes all hazards that
could affect their physical, mental, and emotional states, such as removing them from
dangerous living situations, preventing them from getting into accidents, or protecting
them from the abuse of adults, to name a few.
9. Every child has the right to live in a productive environment. Children should be
surrounded by safe communities that inspire them to give back when they are older. This
means staying away from bad influences and situations that can cause harm to their
health.
10. Every child has the right to be cared for in the absence of their parent or guardian. If the
parent or guardian fails to fulfill their role, the State shall assume custody and care for
the child, providing them with their fundamental needs for growth and development.
11. Every child has the right to good governance. Children also have a right to be born
under the presence of good governance that can inspire them to become helpful and
active citizens. This doesn’t necessarily mean they have to get involved with politics but
rather have an interest in being involved in political discussions for the betterment of
their country.
12. Every child has the right to freedom and peace. Last but not the least, every child is
entitled to do whatever they want in their lives, so long as it contributes to the peace and
betterment of the communities they are a part of.