Chapter 8 Early Childhood Copyright 2013 2004 by

Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Define early childhood. Describe characteristics common to toddlers. Describe characteristics common to preschool children. Discuss the developmental tasks of early childhood. List three factors that aid in the development of language skills. List at least three guidelines for selecting a preschool or day care center. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 2

Objectives (cont. ) 7. 8. 9. 10. Describe the role of physical activity in maintaining health. Describe the characteristic play and appropriate toys for a toddler and preschool child. List three safety risks common to the early childhood years. Discuss the principles of guidance and discipline for children during the early childhood years. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 3

Key Terms age-appropriate toys cooperative play corporal punishment dental caries discipline early childhood expressive language immunity oropharynx parallel play pincer grasp preschool phase receptive language time-out toddler phase Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 4

Definitions Early childhood Toddler phase Preschool phase Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an

Developmental Tasks of Early Childhood Acquiring receptive language and expressive language Developing social interaction skills Mastering self-control in such areas as toilet training Beginning to develop a self-image and sense of autonomy Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 6

Physiological Changes Walking Fontanels Weight gain Pincer grasp Hearing Fine motor skills Toilet training

Critical Thinking Question 1 Why is it important to identify readiness cues in a

Nutrition Fed by adults whose eating habits may be based on ethnic, cultural, folklore, or fad concepts Adequate nutrition is essential for optimal physical and mental development in young children Eating habits are developed during the early childhood years Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 9

Critical Thinking Question 2 What are reasons for teaching parents to read food labels as a way to promote nutritional and dental health? Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 10

Psychosocial Development Tasks and considerations include Language and Communication Skills Development, Cognitive Development, Moral Development, Sexuality, Physical Activity, Play, and Day Care Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 11

Language Development and Communication Skills Differs between toddlers and preschool-age children Copyright © 2013,

The Toddler Develop receptive language before expressive language First clear word and responds to simple commands by age 1 year Speaks four to six words by 15 months Speaks 15 words by 19 months By age 2, vocabulary exceeds 100 words and can follow two-step commands Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 13

The Preschooler Language development occurs rapidly 5 year old has a vocabulary that exceeds 2000 words Speech development is a reflection of mental and emotional development Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 14

Cognitive Development Toddler begins to use words to express ideas and to solve problems Preschool thinking involves Piaget's preoperational or prelogical characteristics Gradually learn about cause and effect and how to solve problems Major task for preschooler is to learn impulse control Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 15

Critical Thinking Question 3 In what instances would a parent need to intervene during

Moral Development Learning self-control and learning to share with others are moral tasks of early childhood according to Kohlberg Preschoolers look carefully at parents as models of moral behavior Child will learn socially acceptable behavior through consistent, positive reinforcement and discipline Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 17

Discipline Time-out Corporal punishment Rewarding good behavior is most effective technique The operant theory of effective discipline techniques Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 18

Sexuality Parents have an impact on the molding of sexuality in their infants and children Acceptance or rejection of hugging and kissing as an expression of emotion by parents can influence sexuality Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 19

Critical Thinking Question 4 How do attitudes of parents or caregivers affect development of sexuality in infants and children? What about attitudes of health care workers? Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 20

Physical Activity Children should be physically active for a minimum of 60 minutes every day Organized sports Limit sedentary activities Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 21

Play Age-appropriate toys Parallel play Cooperative play Play allows the child to imitate adult roles, be the aggressor, assume superpowers, and solve problems Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 22

Critical Thinking Question 5 What impact do home life, environment, and culture have on

Day Care Big step toward developing independence Family day care centers Preschool centers Copyright

Teaching Techniques Help express feelings through words rather than acting out Tooth-brushing twice daily Behaviors of the child and responses of the parent should be discussed at well child visits Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 25

Safety and Accident Prevention Automobile accidents Burns Falls Suffocation and choking Poisoning Electric shock

Immunizations Immunization program starts at 2 months of age when the child is capable of producing their own antibodies Develop a partnership with the parents and understand their values Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 27