CDA Terms

Fine motor

Children use their fingers and hands

Transition

Children are finishing one activity and moving to the next one

Large motor

Having to do with movement of the big muscles in your arms, legs, and torso.

open-ended question

A question that requires more than a yes or no response.

Solitary play

Play that occurs alone

Parallel play

activity in which children play side by side

Cooperative play

Playing with another child including interaction and cooperation

Identity

Developmental focus of care with older infants

Security

Primany issue of the young infant (birth to 8 months)

Normal physical development

Head to toe

Touch

First sense fully developed

Object permanence

the ability to know an object has it's own existence apart from oneself

Discipline

develop inner controls

Fine motor activity

bead stringing

Child Development Associate (CDA)

An early childhood teacher who has been assessed and successfully proven competent through the national CDA credentially program

Nationally recognized Early childhood credential

CDA

Active listening

Making a conscious effort to hear, understand, and respond to what is said.

Typical toddler

Understands more words than can say, possessvie about belongings, sits and listens to short stories

3-5 year old range of development

Match letters with those in name, create make-believe stories, recognize different colors.

Open ended material

Materials that may be used in a variety of ways

NAEYC

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Positive Guidance

An adult who cares for children has the responsibilitiy to guide, correct and socialize children toward appropriate behaviors.

DAP

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Cognitive development

the emergence of the ability to understand the world

Print-rich environment

Describes an atmosphere or surroundings in which literacy-rich signage and activities are included in every component of every program schedule, each and every day.

Manipulatives

Materials that allow children to interact with concepts by using their hands and

other tools to explore, experiment, and discover meaning; materials that develop understanding.

Phonological

The sound structure of speech, particularly referring to the perception, representation, and production of speech sounds.

Social Emotional Development

The child's ability to interact socially and to form and sustain relationships with peers and adults.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Teaching young children by matching practice with what we know about their development

Scaffolding

Adults and older peers help children learn the new tasks they are not yet able to accomplish on their own.

Physical development

The growth of the brain, the body, and patterns of change in sensory capacities, motor skills, and overall health

Curriculum

A written plan that describes the goals for children's development and learning and teaching strategies.

Creative

Individual expression

Self

The message that each child is important, respected and valued

Social

Feeling accepted in a group

Communication

The act of talking with someone and discussing something together

Program Management

Using resources, to ensure an effective operation.

Professionalism

Behavior based on a body of knowledge and ethical standards.

Learning environment

Well-arranged space, which meets the developmental needs of children

Preschool children

Three through five years of age