Early Childhood Care Education and Development - Module Overview

Instructor Introduction

• Mauro Kimarai Chelvi
  Assistant Professor, Department of Human Development
  Avinash Lingam University, Tamil Nadu

Focus of the Module

• Discuss characteristics, needs, and significance of various stages of child development.
• Covers first three stages of lifespan:
  1. Prenatal Period
  2. Infancy and Babyhood
  3. Early Childhood

Characteristics of Child Development Stages

1. Prenatal Period (Conception to Birth)

• Duration: Approximately 9 months
• Key Characteristics:
  • Hereditary Endowment: Foundation for development, fixed at conception.
  • Development of Hereditary Potentials: Influenced by maternal conditions.
  • Sex Determination: Fixed as part of hereditary endowment.
  • Rapid Growth: From zygote to infant (19-20 inches, 3.2-3.4 kg).
  • Hazards: Physical and psychological influences affect later development.
  • Significant Others’ Attitudes: Shape treatment of the newborn.

2. Infancy and Babyhood (Birth to 2 Years)

• Infancy (Birth - 2 weeks) and Babyhood (2 weeks - 2 years)

• Infancy Characteristics:

  • Shortest Lifespan Stage: Requires physiological and psychological adjustments.
  • Plateau in Development: Growth stalls briefly post-birth.
  • Preview of Later Development: Early signs of future development.
  • Physical and Psychological Hazards: Various risks during this period.

• Babyhood Characteristics:

  • Foundation Age: Establishes attitudes and patterns affecting later life.
  • Rapid Growth and Change: Not just physical but also psychosocial.
  • Decreasing Dependency: As motor skills develop, independence increases.
  • Increased Individuality: Establishment of personal interests and preferences.
  • Social Behavior Initiation: Attachment to caregivers, beginning of social relationships.
  • Creative Age: Encourages exploration and creativity.
  • Hazardous Age: Risks of illness and accidents.
  • Sex Role Typing: Gender identification begins early.

3. Early Childhood (2 - 6 Years)

• Problem Age: Frequent behavior issues like disobedience and tantrums.
• Less Appealing Age: Compared to babyhood due to behavioral challenges.
• Toy Age: High engagement with toys, critical for social and cognitive development.
• Exploratory and Questioning Age: Curiosity drives exploration of environment.
• Creative Age: Play facilitates creativity.

Developmental Tasks in Early Childhood

• Defined by Havigerst: Tasks leading to success or failure, impacting future tasks.
• Importance of Developmental Tasks:
  1. Guides expectations for children’s development.
  2. Motivates children to meet societal expectations.
  3. Prepares parents for future developmental milestones.
• Tasks to Master:
  • Walking, talking, emotional relationships, distinguishing right from wrong.

Needs of Children at This Age

Basic Needs

• Food and Shelter: Provided by parents.
• Physical Safety: Vulnerability necessitates protection.
• Emotional Security: Essential for development.

Developmental Needs

• Social Skills: Interaction, communication, social norms.
• Career Abilities: Skills for future success.
• Internal Skills: Self-confidence, emotional maturity.

Responding to Children’s Needs

Milestones and Strategies

1. Birth to 1 Year:
   • Milestones: Attachment, communication.
   • Strategies: Breastfeeding, sensitive responding to needs.
2. 1 to 3 Years:
   • Milestones: Independence, language development.
   • Strategies: Bonding, realistic rules, language exposure.
3. 3 to 6 Years:
   • Milestones: Imagination, empathy, cooperation.
   • Strategies: Unstructured play, socialization opportunities.

Conclusion

• The module highlights the importance of understanding child development stages and responding appropriately to children’s needs.
• Next Module: Focus on brain development.