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Module 2: Understanding Children’s Developmental MilestonesScroll down to begin Learning ObjectivesWhy understanding developmental milestones is important 1 How to recognize developmental milestones 2 Skip to first objectiveLearning Objective 1 Why understanding developmental milestones is importantThe best way to monitor children's development is to track their developmental milestones. What are developmental milestones?Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age.Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move. You see children reach milestones every day. Though all children develop at their own pace, most children reach developmental milestones at or about the same age. ListenMs. Carolyn discusses the importance of tracking developmental milestonesDevelopmental milestones offer important clues about a child’s developmental health.Reaching milestones at the typical ages shows a child is developing as expected. Reaching milestones much earlier means a child may be advanced compared with his or her peers of the same age. Not reaching milestones or reaching them much later than children the same age can be the earliest indication that a child may have a developmental delay. Some milestones are especially important.Not reaching those by a certain age is a developmental warning sign or red flag (examples given in learning objective 2). Children who don’t reach milestones may need extra support and services to reach their full potential. Keep in mind that developmental progress is not always steady. You may see changes in development around important life events like the birth of a new sibling. By tracking each child’s developmental milestones over time, you will have a better understanding of his or her development and a better basis to judge if concern is warranted. Developmental milestones fall into categories of development called domains. Language/Communication:This domain is about how children express their needs and share what they are thinking, as well as understand what is said to them. Waves bye bye Points to ask for something or to get help Names things in a book when you point and ask what is that Also: Following directions and speaking so others understand what they’re saying. Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving):This domain is about how children learn new things and solve problems. It includes how children explore their environment to figure things out – whether by looking at the world around them, putting objects in their mouths, or dropping something to watch it fall. This domain also includes “academic” skills like counting and learning letters and numbers. Reaches to grab a toy she wants Bangs two things together Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks Also: An infant staring at mom’s face as she leans over his crib. Movement/Physical Development:This domain is about how children use their bodies. It includes many milestones parents excitedly wait for. Takes a few steps on his own Catches a large ball most of the time Eats with a spoon Some developmental milestones fit more than one domain.For example:
Looking for developmental milestones in every child is important. The most important reason for monitoring each child’s development is to determine whether a child’s development is on track.Looking for developmental milestones is important to understanding each child’s development and behavior. Milestones can help explain a child’s behavior. For example, if a 1-year-old cries when her dad leaves the classroom in the morning, she is showing a typical 12-month milestone that signifies healthy development. WatchMs. Carolyn talks about spotting milestones like dumping and sorting
Learning Objective 2 How to recognize developmental milestonesIn your work caring for and teaching children, you are in a perfect position to observe the developmental milestones that mark how children play, learn, speak, act, and move alongside others of their age. Below are some examples of developmental milestones and especially important warning signs of possible developmental delay for 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months of age. Keep in mind these are only a few examples for each age. More complete lists and lists for other ages (2 months-5 years) can be found at www.cdc.gov/Milestones. Milestones at 6 Months
Milestones at 9 Months
Milestones at 12 Months
Milestones at 18 Months
Milestones at 2 Years
Milestones at 3 Years
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Apply What You've LearnedThink of a child you know who is under the age of 5. Think of how that child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. List at least two ways the child has shown milestones reached in each of the developmental domains. Use the milestone checklists at www.cdc.gov/Milestones or download the Milestone Tracker app to help. QuizAre you ready to take the quiz now? Start Quiz Skip to Module 3 You must pass all module quizzes to receive continuing education credit. Which of the following holds the view that development takes place in unique stages which happen at specific times or ages?In contrast, theorists who view development as discontinuous believe that development takes place in unique stages: It occurs at specific times or ages. With this type of development, the change is more sudden, such as an infant's ability to conceive object permanence.
What is lifeOur Motivational Theory of Life-Span Development proposes that the individual's attempts to regulate his or her own development is organized in cycles of action around the pursuit of developmental goals (J. Heckhausen, 1999).
What are the 3 types of development that encompass the full view of lifespan development?They view development as a lifelong process that can be studied scientifically across three developmental domains—physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.
Who studied children's cognitive development?Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist and genetic epistemologist. He is most famously known for his theory of cognitive development that looked at how children develop intellectually throughout the course of childhood.
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