Principles of Child Development

Activity

How children view the world

Theories of Child Development

Psychologists define theory as a guide to help explain behavior.

Many theories are available about how children learn and process.

Erickson, Piaget, Vygotsky and Gardner

12 Principles of Child Development

Development and learning are complex and no one theory is sufficient.

Principles should be considered when making decisions about children

General principles taken from a review of the early childhood literature

Principle 1: Interrelatedness

Development in one domain influences and is influenced by development in other domains

Principle 2: Orderly Sequence

Development occurs in a relatively orderly sequence, with later abilities, skills, and knowledge building on those already acquired

Principle 3: Varying Rates

Development proceeds at varying rates from child to child as well as unevenly within different areas of each child’s functioning

Principle 4: Biological and Environmental

Development and learning result from interaction of biological maturation and the environment

Principle 5: Long Term Effects

Early experiences have both cumulative and delayed effects on individual children’s development; optimal periods exist for certain types of development and learning

Principle 6: Increasing Complexity

Development proceeds in predictable directions toward greater complexity, organization, and internalization

Principle 7: Needs Met

Children develop and learn best in the context of a community where they are safe and valued, their physical needs are met, and they feel psychologically secure.

Principle 8: Social and Cultural Influence

Development and learning occur in and are influenced by multiple social and cultural contexts

Principle 9: Active Learners

Children learn in variety of ways and with a wide range of teaching strategies and interactions.

Principle 10: Play

Play is an important vehicle for children’s development, as well as a reflection of their development

Principle 11: Practice and Challenge

Development advances when children have opportunities to practice newly acquired skills as well as when they experience a challenge just beyond the level of their present mastery

Principle 12: Experiences Affect Learning and Development

Children demonstrate different modes of knowing and learning and different ways of representing what they know

National Indicators of Children’s Well-Being

Many interconnected aspects of children’s well-being.

Indicators of influence resulting in a child being well-adjusted, economically secure, productive, educated and healthy.

Domains of Well-Being

Family and social environment

Economic circumstances

Health care

Domains of Well-Being

Physical environment and safety

Behavior

Education

General Health

Child Development: Principles, Theories, &

Indicators

Basic child development information is fundamental to everyone’s well-being.

Helps professionals make sound decisions about care and education.

Understanding P, T, and I assist in interpreting experiences and milestones.

Child Development

Questions