Every child grows and develops differently. Individual child outcomes are influenced by values and practices of family, culture, and community. It is important for teachers to understand these outcomes and know how to support the growing child and their families. Teachers need to develop an awareness of developmental milestones within the context of discussions with families, childcare providers, pediatricians, public health nurses, and other educators.
Use the “Developmental Readiness Template” to compile information in preparation for speaking to a family about their child’s readiness to enter a childcare facility. Within the template, describe young children’s typical and atypical behaviors, characteristics, and needs in relation to cognitive, linguistic, physical, social, and emotional needs from birth to age 4.
Include the following:
Description of one typical cognitive, linguistic, physical, social, and emotional milestone for children birth to age 4.
Descriptions of two atypical cognitive, linguistic, physical, social, and emotional milestones for children birth to age 4.
