Early Childhood Development 2-6 years old

Early childhood development from infancy to age 6, is governed by a child's internal plan for development.  Adults become the facilitators or the obstacles to emotional and cognitive development.  The child's primary tasks during this period are:

1) to bond with a primary careiver, e.g. one person who spends most of her time with the child.  This bonding, or attachment, is critical to the development of trust.  And trust is the foundation on which healthy emotional development rests.  Without trust a child will become an adult who is isolated and impaired in personal and professional relationships.  When emotional dysfunction occurs, cognitive and academic development often suffer as well.

2) to explore, classify and master their immediate environment.  While a child needs an adult caregiver who will keep her safe by preparing a child-safe environment and by providing conscientious supervision, the child has an innate need to explore for herself.

3) to become independently able to meet self-help needs

4) to learn to relate collaboratively with peers.

Children begin as uninhibited babies, able to express themselves only by uncontrolled movements and a variety of cries. Gradually, with encouragement to relate and to explore, they develop motor skills, social and cognitive skills.  If they are nurtured by having their basic needs met --to be held, given positive, gentle attention and proper nutrition and care, they will keep the spirit of joy, playfulness and uninhibited exploration evident in the preschoolers below.  We can watch and assist with delight as children transform ...