Southwest Mississippi Community College 21

Overview of toddler and preschooler development, focusing on Chapters 30 and 37.
Emphasis on diverse settings; refer to the worksheet provided on Canvas for Chapter 37.

Growth spurts: Unlike linear progression in infancy, toddlers experience more fluctuation in growth.
Height & Weight:
- Gain 3-5 pounds per year.
- At age 2, toddlers reach about half their adult height.
- Weight gain is about 3 pounds per year.
Head Circumference:
- Increases by 1 inch from 1-2 years, then by 0.5 inches per year until age 5.
- Head becomes proportionate with body around age 3.
- Anterior fontanel closes by 18 months
- Posterior cantonal closes by 2 months

Transition from grasping with fingers to using utensils for eating.
Focus on refining fine and gross motor skills:
- Encourage activities that enhance these skills (e.g., stacking blocks, using crayons).

Brain Growth: Reaches about 90% of adult size by age 2.
Myelination progress aids coordination and sphincter control, facilitating potty training. Brain has the capability to control bowel movements and potty training
Primitive Reflexes: Replace with protective reflexes (e.g., reaction to being pushed).

Significant language milestone; understand more than they can express.
Common speech patterns:
- Echolalia: Repeating words or phrases heard before.
- Telegraphic speech: Using a minimal number of words to communicate.

Erikson's Stage: Autonomy vs. shame and doubt; toddlers desire independence.
Emotional swings: Frequent shifts from happiness to anger, known as negativism.

Piaget's Theory: In sensory-motor stage, experimenting with objects and behaviors.
Begin pretend play and dramatic roles.

Routine checks for growth and development; monitor for delays.
Common health concerns include nutrition (iron intake, milk consumption) and sleep patterns.

Erikson's Stage: Initiative vs. guilt; explore new things, develop self-confidence but may feel guilt if unsuccessful.
Development of a conscience and understanding of right and wrong.