An Overview of Early
Childhood Development
Teddi Deka, Ph.D.
Missouri Western State
University
I. What is Development?

Change


From




Genetics (nature)
Caring (nurture)
Environment
Influenced by



Growth, Senescence
Domains
Contexts
Following a Sequence based on


Averages
Ranges
Domains and Contexts of Development

Exercise: What is one question about child
development that you would like to ask?
Domains of Development
Physical
Cognitive
Social / Emotional
Contexts of Development
Historical
Socioeconomic Cultural
Averages and Ranges
II. Average Development in the
Cognitive Domain

Of interest to early childhood providers:



How does the child think/solve problems?
What types of problems interest the child?
How can I improve the child’s ability to
think/solve problems?
How Does the Child Think / Solve
Problems?

Theories of Child Development



Jean Piaget’s Cognitive-Developmental Theory
Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
Theory of Mind
Problems that interest the young child
There are not right or wrong answers
 The adult won’t get mad or anxious
 It is fun
 It involves play
 It involves creativity (coloring, little
scientist)
 The task is bright or loud or irritating
 The task is repetitive

III. Average Development in the Social
/ Emotional Domain

Of interest to early childhood providers:




What is typical social development?
What is typical emotional development?
How to I discourage aggression?
How do I discipline?
Typical Social / Emotional
Development
Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
 Emotion and Control

Emotional Development
Temperament
Easy
Difficult
√
Shyness
√
Aggression
√
fearfulness
√
Attention
Sociability
Slow to Warm
Up
√
Types of Aggression
Instrumental Physical
Verbal
Relational
Most
Prevalent
Toddler
Childhood
Childhood
Adolescence
Gender
Difference
s
Boys
Boys
Boys
Girls
Stability
Less
More
Less
More
From 1 to 5, children should
consistently improve on:
Emotion Regulation
 Emotion Display
 Hostile Aggression
 Empathy
 Sympathy

Improving on Aggression, Discipline
and Prosocial Behavior

Handout: Recommendations