Early Childhood
Early Childhood Development Study Notes
Section 1: Physical Development
Ages 1-3 Growth Rate
Height & Weight
Average toddler gains approximately 5 lbs/year.
By the 2nd birthday, average weight is around 27 lbs.
Average height by 2nd birthday is approximately 34 inches.
Respiratory & Heart Rates
Visual acuity improves to 20/40.
Hearing capability is fully developed.
Heart rate slows down from infancy.
Blood pressure starts to increase.
Stomach Size (1-3 years old)
Stomach size increases to meet the demands of new growth rates.
Toddlers typically require 6 small meals a day, often consisting of snacks.
Finger foods are more preferred, as toddlers are exploratory and active.
Potty Learning (1-3 years old)
Development of anal and urethral sphincters occurs at 18-24 months.
It's common for a 3-year-old to still wear diapers while learning potty skills.
Gross Motor Skills (1-3 years old)
10-15 months: Walk with a wide stance.
24 months: Many walk up and down stairs one step at a time.
30 months: Can jump using both feet.
By age 3, children can stand on one foot and climb stairs alternating feet.
Fine Motor Skills (1-3 years old)
Development of motor skills and utilization of all 5 senses for exploration grow.
Safety concerns arise as children master skills;
By 15 months: Can grab and release small objects.
By 18 months: Can throw a ball overhand.
Ages 4-5 Growth Rate
Weight & Height
Average weight at 4 years is 36 lbs, height is 40 inches.
By age 5, average weight is 41 lbs and 43 inches tall.
Physical proportions begin to normalize as the toddler “potbelly” gradually disappears.
Pulse & Respiratory Rate
Heart rate ranges from 90-100 beats/min.
Respiratory rate is between 22-25 breaths/min.
Vision reaches maturity of 20/20, and hearing also matures.
Gross and Fine Motor Skills (4-5 years old)
Children express interest in sports.
They begin learning to skip, skate, and ride bicycles.
Artistic abilities improve, showcasing fine motor skills development.
Section 2: Cognitive Development
Helpful Tips
Transition from Piaget’s sensorimotor to preconceptual phase occurs typically between ages 1-3.
Each child is unique; development may start earlier or later.
Seeking medical advice is crucial if concerns arise about development.
Speech Development (1-3 years old)
Toddlers start to understand and use words.
Vocabulary expands with phrases like "do you see the green grass?" and multi-syllable words like "may I have a snack?".
The ability to form vowels and consonants improves over this age range.
Recognition (1-3 years old)
Children can recognize and differentiate objects (e.g. truck, baby doll).
This recognition allows for learning through trial and error; however, safety awareness is still developing.
Speech Development (4-5 years old)
Preschoolers form sentences such as “can we go to the park?”
Vocabulary acquisition accelerates through social interactions and interests in books.
Recognition (4-5 years old)
Preschoolers often confuse similar looking items and can struggle with concepts of time.
Mental Development (4-5 years old)
Preschoolers may experience nightmares and fears about safety.
Discussions about body awareness and questions regarding life and death begin to emerge, stemming from their interactions and exposure to different views.
Section 3: Psychosocial Development
Psychosocial Development of Toddlers (1-3 years old)
Key task is developing autonomy per Erikson’s stage of “autonomy versus shame and doubt”.
Toddlers learn to express emotions and build independence.
Effective Developmental Goals for Toddlers
Recognize individuality, separation from caregivers, learn patience, and communicate effectively.
Freud's Anal Stage
Refers to boundary testing through refusals, necessitating calm parental guidance.
Positive potty training experiences can encourage healthy development.
Milestones (1-3 years old)
Independence, emotional expression, and sharing challenges emerge.
Psychosocial Development of Preschoolers (4-5 years old)
In Erikson’s “initiative versus guilt” stage, preschoolers begin developing a conscience and understanding right from wrong.
Personality Development
Express individual preferences, encourage participation in activities that foster social engagement and imagination.
Milestones (4-5 years old)
Children seek independence and showcase skills to gain peer approval and friendships.
Section 4: Common Health Problems
Health Risks (1-3 years old)
Major risk factors include unintentional injuries such as falls, burns, choking, and drowning.
With increased mobility, toddlers explore more leading to risk of poisoning and other accidents with household items.
Common Infections
Typical infections include colds, ear infections, and tonsillitis, along with lice and tapeworms.
Health Concerns (4-5 years old)
Similar risks to toddlers, with additional communicable diseases and concerns about poisoning from adult substances.
Euresis (Bed Wetting)
More prevalent in males; causes vary from neurological to bladder control issues.
Most cases resolve naturally, while encopresis requires evaluation.
Section 5: Assessment/Implementation
Safety First
Different approaches to assessment should be adopted for each age group.
Focus on childproofing environments as mobility increases.
Assessment of Ages 1-3
Utilize play therapy for comfort during assessments, and check growth against developmental norms.
Approach for Ages 3-5
Foster independence while teaching safety (e.g., avoiding strangers).
Parents should supervise hygiene practices and instill healthy habits in children.
Nutrition and Rest
Teach parents about balanced diets and the importance of adequate sleep, typically around 12 hours a night.
Vital Signs Monitoring
Regular checks of HR, RR, and BP should be performed, adjusting expected values with growth.
Immunizations
Ensure all vaccinations align with the CDC schedule, including boosters for various associated diseases.