Getting Started

Learning Objectives •  Name the milestones for each developmental

domain (cognitive, physical, social/emotional, and language) typical for children birth to eight months

•  Describe how genetics, environment, culture, and temperament influence a child’s development

•  Discuss the importance of understanding and applying developmentally appropriate practices in the care of infants

•  Summarize the patterns of child development

Part 1: Understanding General Development

Developmental Domains

Cognitive Social/Emotional

Language Physical

Principles of Growth and Development

Development progresses from head to toe

Development progresses from the inside out

Development follows predictable stages

Children develop at various rates

Factors that Influence Development

Factors that Influence Development

Genetics •  Physical characteristics such as brown

hair and blue eyes, but also include conditions such as diabetes, and traits such as strength and flexibility

Environment and Culture •  Birth order, emotional climate of the home,

ethnicity, and traditions, all impact a child’s overall development

Environment and Culture

Environment – shapes a child’s potential

Culture – a part of the environment which includes values, rules, customs, rituals

Temperament •  Traits which make up an individual’s style of

behaving •  Includes “natural” responses

– Adapt to new people or situations – The need for movement – Eating and sleep patterns – Learning style or preferred work environment

•  Impacts how children are cared for

The Ten Temperament Traits 1.  Activity Level – amount of physical motion during

activities Calm and Slow Moving Always Moving

2. Approach/Withdrawal – a person’s initial reaction to new experiences

Slow to Warm Outgoing

3. Adaptability – how easily a person adjusts to a change in routine.

Slow-adapting Fast-adapting (Upset with change) (Flexible)

4. Sensory Sensitivity – how sensitive a person is in each of the sensory channels (pain/touch tolerance, taste, smell, sound, sight/light)

5. Intensity of Reaction – the amount of energy a person uses to express emotions.

Dramatic/Intense Mild Reactions

6. Distractibility – how easily a person’s thought processes or attention are interrupted by things going on around him/her.

Focused High Distractibility Not easily distracted Easily Diverted

7. Persistence – the length of time a person continues to make an effort, especially when the task gets hard.

Low Persistence High Persistence Gives up More Determined

8. Quality of Mood – amount of pleasant, joyful and friendly behaviors compared to unpleasant, frowning, negative behaviors.

Debbie Downer Suzy Sunshine

9. Regularity- Predictability of biological functions (hunger, sleeping, elimination) and daily routines/patterns

Structured/Routine Unstructured/Irregular 10. Emotional Sensitivity – the ease or difficulty with which a person responds emotionally to a situation.

Insensitive/ Highly Sensitive Unaware of Emotions Aware of

Emotions

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

DAP is individualized, responsive care which is just right for the child’s age, cultural context, and personality.

DAP consists of three components: •  Knowing about child development and

learning •  Knowing what is individually

appropriate •  Knowing what is culturally important

Part 2: Developmental Characteristics

Birth to Eight Months

Developmental Characteristics Birth to Three Months

•  The period from birth to three months is a period of transition for the baby.

•  Infants rely on reflexes until learned responses are developed.

•  Infants learn through their senses, and stimulating all of the senses is essential for brain growth and development.

Sensory Development Sight - least developed sense at birth Hearing – soothed by rhythmic noises such as a ticking clock

Taste – prefer sweet over sour

Touch/feel – babies love the feel of skin to skin contact

Smell – can pick out mom’s scent in just a few days

Pressure – swaddling, massage

Movement – rocking, swings, car rides

Attachment The relationship or bond which develops between an infant and caregiver. Infants are born with the need to develop a connection with a parent or caregiver so basic needs will be met. Primary attachments typically occur with parents. Secondary attachments are formed with other caregivers.

Attachment Caregiver Behaviors Child Behaviors Secure •  Reacts quickly and positively to child’s

needs •  Distressed when

caregiver leaves •  Seeks comfort from

caregiver when distressed

Insecure-avoidant

•  Unresponsive, uncaring •  Dismissive

•  No distress when caregiver leaves

•  Does not make contact with caregiver when stressed

Insecure-ambivalent

•  Responds to child inconsistently •  Distress when caregiver leaves

•  Not comforted by caregiver’s return

Insecure-disorganized

•  Abuse, neglectful or responds in a frightening way

•  No attaching behaviors •  May appear dazed,

confused, or apprehensive

Attachment is essential for the foundation of a healthy personality

•  attain full intellectual potential •  develop a conscience •  cope with stress/frustration •  develop relationships •  handle worry and fear

Why Attachment Matters

•  Healthy attachments are an essential part of brain growth

•  Needs to happen during infancy, where most of the

brain growth occurs

•  Babies need to have all of their senses stimulated for synapses to occur.

•  Holding, rocking, swaddling an infant not only

assists in forming the necessary attachments, it is also crucial for brain development.

Attachment and Brain Development

Developmental Characteristics Three to Eight Months

As reflexes give way to purposeful movements, babies begin to respond to the stimuli in the environment.

During this time period all areas of development are changing rapidly.

Developmental Characteristics

•  Social smile –  in response to a stimuli, especially familiar

faces

•  Responds to and anticipates play – will enjoy games like peek-a-boo

•  Visual acuity – can see further away

•  Grasping objects – Hand/eye coordination begins to develop

Developmental Characteristics

•  Babbling/laughing – Repeating sounds with no meaning attached

•  Rolling over – Typically roll from tummy to back first

•  Sits with support – Strengthens torso

•  Crawling – Can take on various forms

Part 3: Issues and Concerns Birth to Eight Months

Sleep Patterns As infants mature, sleep patterns become more predictable and routine. Providing consistent care which follows a predictable routine will help a baby develop positive sleep habits. Day and nighttime sleep have different functions: •  Daytime Naps – reduce stress •  Nighttime Sleep – biological functions, growth,

immunity building

Children and Sleep

•  A child who is overtired has a harder time falling asleep

•  The symptoms of insufficient sleep can be misleading

•  Sleep loss can interfere with development •  All children wake up during the night •  Sleep loss is cumulative

Safe Sleep Babies spend a good portion of their day sleeping Birth to three months – 14 to 17 hours Four to eleven months – 12 to 15 hours

Safe Sleep •  Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)

– Defined as the unexpected death of an infant under 12 months of age

– Most occur due to an unsafe sleep environment

– 3500 deaths annually – Types

•  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome •  Suffocation/Strangulation •  Unknown cause

Safe Sleep •  Safe – Crib with no moving parts •  Simple – No blankets, pillows, stuffed

toys, or bumpers •  Sleep –place infants on their backs to

sleep •  Crib/cot placement – at least 36 inches

apart to reduce the spread of communicable diseases

Responding promptly and consistently to a baby’s cries promotes a sense of trust and attachment. Babies cry to communicate their needs

– Hunger, diaper change, sleep, boredom, hurt

Infants and Crying

Strategies to Cope with Crying

Understand the baby’s hunger and sleep cues Walk with the baby/change of scenery Go for a car ride Give the baby a bath/massage Play music Place baby on back in crib and walk away Call for support

Infants and Crying

Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene-cleaning baby’s gums with a water-soaked gauze pad after feeding will stimulate gum tissue and help prevent tooth decay. Baby bottle tooth decay is often caused by letting babies fall asleep with a filled bottle.

Infant Nutrition

•  Support mothers who choose to breastfeed

•  Follow parents lead on the introduction of solid foods

•  Once solid foods are introduced, avoid foods with added sugars

Signs an Infant is Ready for Solid Food

•  Doubled birth weight •  Control of head and neck •  Sit with support •  Shows an interest in your food •  Can signal when full

Atypical Development

Use basic child development principles and remember each child is unique

Do not compare children

Use observations to make informed decisions and to communicate with families any concerns

Illinois Early Learning Guidelines For Children Ages Birth to Three

Standards and Guidelines for Illinois Illinois Early Learning Guidelines - for children birth to age three https://www.isbe.net/documents/el-guidelines-0-3.pdf

Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards - for children ages three to five http://illinoisearlylearning.org/ields/

The Standards and Guidelines are: •  not an assessment •  research based •  field tested •  developmental indicators

Developmental Delay

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C requires:

eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities receive needed early intervention services in natural environments to the maximum extent appropriate.

Definition of Developmental Delay

•  For children from birth to age three (under IDEA Part C), the term developmental delay, as defined by each State, means a delay in one or more of the following areas: •  physical development •  cognitive development •  communication •  social or emotional development •  or adaptive (behavioral) development

Screening Tools

Providers may wish to use a developmental checklist or questionnaire to record and track developmental milestones and/or concerns

Observe any child between the ages of birth to 8 months. Write your observations of the following.

What are three developmental characteristics of the baby?

Knowledge to Practice

Wrap Up

Please complete the following: •  Knowledge to Practice •  Competency Checklist •  Reflection •  Evaluation