Who Created The Only Way To Stay Fresh Is To Keep Learning New Things.

Choosing quality care that is in a salubrious and safe environment should be your number one priority. Look for child care that stimulates and encourages your child'south physical, intellectual, and social growth. Continue your child'southward age and personality in mind when looking for the program that best meets his needs. Understanding what makes your child feel secure and knowing the activities he enjoys and will larn from will make a difference in your last child intendance conclusion.

Personality

Each child has his own personality and responds to caregivers or experiences differently. Just like adults, children may have approachable, shy, or even-tempered natures. Your caregiver should be in tune with your child's special personality and care for your kid in a positive and caring manner that agrees with his special personality. This is crucial to nurturing his healthy emotional growth. Past understanding your child'south personality, you and your caregiver can help him succeed by offering intendance, activities, and discipline that all-time fit his needs.

Developmental stages

As your child grows, you may discover yourself searching for clues to her behavior. As a parent, you may hear the words "developmental stages." This is just some other style of proverb your child is moving through a sure time period in the growing-upward process. At times, she may be fascinated with her easily, her feet, and her oral fissure. As she grows, she may get into everything. Lock your doors and cabinets, and have a deep breath during those exploration years! Then there will be an age when independence is all she wants. At every stage, what she needs is your love, understanding, and time.

Parent Tip

Recent brain research indicates that birth to age three are the nearly important years in a kid'due south evolution. Here are some tips to consider during your child's early on years:

Exist warm, loving, and responsive.
Talk, read, and sing to your child.
Establish routines and rituals.
Encourage safe explorations and play.
Make TV watching selective.
Employ subject area as an opportunity to teach.
Recognize that each child is unique.
Choose quality kid care and stay involved.
Take care of yourself.

For more than information, visit the First v California Parents' Site

Learning styles

Children learn in many different ways. Each child has his ain way of learning—some learn visually, others through touch on, taste, and sound. Scout a group of children and you'll understand at one time what this ways. One kid will sit and listen patiently, another cannot expect to move and count beads. Another wants y'all to show her the answer over and over. Children likewise learn in different ways depending on their developmental phase. 1 thing we know is all children love to acquire new things by exploring and discovering. Children love to solve problems during play and in daily activities.

Await for a child intendance provider who understands children'southward learning styles and includes reading, learning numbers, art activities, rhyming, and problem solving in your kid'due south daily activities. Besides, find out how your provider encourages your child to understand and benefit from daily activities and experiences.

Tips for looking for a kid care provider during the first 18 months of life

Await for a provider who:

Is warm and friendly.
Interacts with your infant and has eye contact.
Talks to your infant while diapering.
Includes your infant in activities, just keeps her safe from older children.
Avoids the use of walkers.
Has feeding and sleeping practices similar to yours.
Allows the infant to swallow and sleep whenever she wishes rather than follow a schedule.

Ages and stages

Depending upon the historic period of your child, his learning style and personality, your child will have dissimilar needs. The first five years are especially crucial for physical, intellectual, and social-emotional development. Keep your child's personality and historic period in mind when looking for child intendance experiences and activities. The following pages provide insight into a child'southward developmental stages from birth through fourteen years.

Return to Top

Nascence to 18 months: an overview

In the first eighteen months after nativity, an infant makes miraculous progress. In this relatively brusque time span, an infant sees her world through her senses. Babies gather information through touch, sense of taste, smell, sight, and sound. To help infants mature and learn, the caregiver should stimulate just not overwhelm them. The overall goal is not to "teach" your baby but to interact and explore her world with her. Older infants are on the movement. They take great pleasance in discovering what they tin can practice with their vocalism, hands, feet, and toes. Soon they practice rolling skills, crawling, walking, and other bully concrete adventures. Through "the eyes of a child," hither is what you might look during the first eighteen months.

One month

What I'm Like: I can't back up my own head and I'g awake about i hour in every 10 (though information technology may seem more than).

What I Need: I need milk, a smoke-free environment, a warm place to slumber, hugs and kisses, and to hear your loving voice. It'southward not besides early to sing or read to me. The more yous talk and introduce dissimilar things to me, the more than I learn.

3 months

What I'm Like: My easily and anxiety fascinate me. I'll express mirth and coo at them and yous. I'm alert for 15 minutes, maybe longer, at a time. I love to listen to yous talk and read to me.

What I Need: Talk to me, feed me, and sing to me. My favorite songs are lullabies. Cuddle me. I need fresh air, a ride in a stroller. Give me things to pull and teethe on.

Five months

What I'm Like: I may exist able to roll over and sit with support. I can hold my own toys. I babble and am alert for ii hours at a time. I can eat almost baby food. Put toys merely out of my reach and I volition try to attain them. I like to see what I expect similar and what I am doing.

What I Demand: Make certain I'm safe as I'm learning to crawl. I demand happy sounds, and I like to be nigh yous. Dance with me, tickle me, and tell me virtually the world you come across.

Nine months

What I'one thousand Similar: I'm busy! I like to explore everything! I clamber, sit, pull on furniture, grasp objects, and empathize simple commands. I like to be with other babies and I react to their happiness and sadness.

What I Need: I need locks on cabinets with medicines, household cleaners, or other dangerous things. Put abroad modest precipitous objects. I demand touches, nutritious food, and educational toys to keep me decorated.

Twelve months

What I'm Like: I may exist able to pull myself up and sidestep around piece of furniture. I may begin walking. I make lots of sounds and say "Mama" and "Dada." I'm curious about flowers, ants, grass, stones, bugs, and dirt. I like to get messy, 'crusade that's how I learn. My fingers want to touch everything. I like to play near others close to my age merely not always with them. If I'm walking, delight walk at my pace.

What I Need: I need lots of cuddling and encouragement. I need a safety identify to move around equally I will be getting into anything I can get my hands on. Read to me again and again. Sing our favorite songs. Give me freedom to do most things—until I demand help. And so please stay near.

Twelve to 18 months

What I'm Like: I similar to eat with a spoon, even if I spill. And I volition spill, spill, spill. I will explore everything high and low, so delight keep me safety. I may accept atmosphere tantrums because I take no other way of expressing my feelings or frustrations. Sometimes I'm fearful and cling to you. I like to have evening routines: music, story, and bath fourth dimension. I similar balls, blocks, pull toys, push toys, take apart toys, put together toys, and cuddles. Sometimes I say "No" and mean it. Past eighteen months I can walk well by myself, although I fall a lot. I may jump. I say lots of words, specially the word "mine"—considering everything is mine! I similar it when we play exterior or go to a park. I similar being with other children. I try to take off my shoes and socks. I like to build with blocks.

What I Need: Allow me bear on things. Let me try new things with your help, if I need it. I need firm limits and consistency. Delight requite me praise. The more you talk with me, the earlier I will tell you how I experience and what I demand. I need you to observe me and to empathize why I'thou upset or mad. I need your understanding and patience. I want a routine. I need you lot to non mind the mess I sometimes make. I need you to say I'k sorry if y'all made a mistake. And please read to me over and over again!

The Toddler'due south Creed

If I want information technology, it's mine. If I give it to you and alter my mind subsequently, it'due south mine. If I take it abroad from you, it's mine. If information technology'southward mine it volition never belong to anybody else, no matter what. If we are building something together, all the pieces are mine. If information technology looks just like mine, it's mine.

Eighteen months through two years: an overview

During the next phase of life, your kid is beginning to ascertain himself. Await for child care activities that spur his imagination and vocabulary. During the toddler years, children become into everything, so do your all-time to keep your child safe from a potential accident. Yet, realize accidents practice happen even to the most conscientious parents and children.

When looking for quality care for your toddler, consider:

Is the child care setting safety and does it provide small group sizes and developed-to-child ratios?
Are there plenty toys and activities so sharing isn't a problem?
Are in that location a lot of toys for edifice which can be put together?
Is in that location a dress-up area?
Do art activities permit the children the freedom to make their own art or do all crafts look the same?
And last, what are the toilet training and discipline practices of the provider?

Ii years

What I'm Similar: I am loving, affectionate, and responsive to others. I experience sorry or lamentable when others my age are upset. I may even like to please you lot. I don't need you so close for protection, but please don't become likewise far away. I may exercise the exact opposite of what you want. I may be rigid, non willing to look or give in. I may even be bossy. "Me" is ane of my favorite words. I may have fears, especially of sounds, separation, moving household objects, or that big dog.

What I Need: I need to go on exploring the globe, downwardly the block, the parks, library, and stores, etc. I like my routines. If you lot take to change them, practise so slowly. I need you to notice what I practice well and PRAISE me. Give me 2 OK choices to distract me when I begin to say "No." I need yous to be in control and make decisions when I'm unable to do so. I do better when you plan ahead. Exist FIRM with me almost the rules, but CALM when I forget or disagree. And please exist patient considering I am doing my all-time to delight you lot, fifty-fifty though I may non act that mode.

Return to Peak

Iii through 5 years: an overview

During the preschool years, your child volition be incredibly busy. Cutting, pasting, painting, and singing are all daily activities. When your child starts kindergarten effectually age five, brand sure home and child care activities include learning numbers, letters, and uncomplicated directions. Almost public schoolhouse kindergarten programs are commonly but a few hours a day. You may need care before and after school. It is never too early to begin your search.

When looking for quality intendance for your preschooler, consider:

Are there other children the aforementioned age or close in historic period to your kid?
Is there space for climbing, running, and jumping?
Are at that place books and learning activities to fix your child for schoolhouse?
Is idiot box and motion picture watching selective?
Are learning materials and pedagogy styles age-appropriate and respectful of children'southward cultural and ethnic heritage?
Are caregivers experienced and trained in early childhood development?
Are children given choices to do and learn things for themselves?
Are children rushed to complete activities or tasks?
Or are they given enough time to work at their own step?

Three years

What I'm Like: Spotter out! I am charged with physical energy. I do things on my own terms. My mind is a sponge. Reading and socializing are essential in getting me set for schoolhouse. I similar to pretend a lot and relish scribbling on everything. I am full of questions, many of which are "Why?" I get adequately reliable virtually using the potty. I may stay dry at nighttime and may non. Playing and trying new things out are how I acquire. Sometimes I like to share. I begin to listen more and begin to understand how to solve problems for myself.

What I Need: I want to know about everything and sympathize words, and when encouraged, I will use words instead of grabbing, crying, or pushing. Play with me, sing to me, and let'southward pretend!

Iv years

What I'm Like: I'm in an active stage, running, hopping, jumping, and climbing. I beloved to question "Why?" and "How?" I'm interested in numbers and the world around me. I bask playing with my friends. I like to be creative with my drawings, and I may similar my pictures to be unlike from everyone else'due south. I'm curious about "sleepovers" but am not certain if I'm gear up still. I may desire to be but like my older sister or brother. I am proud that I am so BIG now!

What I Need: I need to explore, to endeavor out, and to exam limits. Giving me room to grow doesn't mean letting me practise everything. I need reasonable limits fix for my ain protection and for others. Let me know clearly what is or isn't to be expected. I need to acquire to give and take and play well with others. I need to exist read to, talked to, and listened to. I need to exist given choices and to learn things in my own way. Characterization objects and describe what's happening to me so I can learn new words and things.

5 years

What I'k Like: I'm slowing a little in growth. I have expert motor command, but my pocket-size muscles aren't as adult as my large muscles for jumping. My activity level is high and my play has direction. I like writing my name, drawing pictures, making projects, and going to the library. I'm more than interested at present in doing group activities, sharing things and my feelings. I like serenity time away from the other kids from time to time. I may be anxious to begin kindergarten.

What I Demand: I need the opportunity for plenty of active play. I need to do things for myself. I like to have choices in how I learn new things. But well-nigh of all, I need your dearest and assurance that I'k of import. I need time, patience, agreement, and genuine attention. I am learning almost who I am and how I fit in with others. I need to know how I am doing in a positive way. I understand more about things and how they work, so yous can give me a more detailed answer. I have a large imagination and pretend a lot. Although I'm becoming taller, your lap is still one of my favorite places.

Half dozen through 8 years: an overview

Children at this age have busy days filled with recess, homework, and tear-jerking fights with their friends. They begin to recollect and plan ahead. They have a chiliad questions. This age grouping has good and bad days just similar adults. Get fix, because it's just the beginning!

When looking for quality treat your school-historic period child, consider:

Is the staff or provider trained to work with school-age children?
Is there space for sports activities, climbing, running, and jumping?
Are at that place materials that volition interest your child?
Is telly and film watching selective?
Is there a quiet place to do homework or read?
Is transportation available?

Six years

What I'm Like: Affectionate and excited over school, I go eagerly nearly of the time. I am cocky-centered and tin exist quite demanding. I think of myself every bit a large child at present. I can be impatient, wanting my demands to be met Now. Withal I may have forever to do ordinary things. I similar to be with older children more than with younger ones. I oft have one close friend, and sometimes we will exclude a third child.

What I Need: This might be my outset year in existent school. Although it'southward fun, it'southward besides scary. I need yous to provide a rubber place for me. Routines and consistency are of import. Don't have my behavior one mean solar day and correct me for the same behavior tomorrow. Ready up and explain rules virtually daily routines like playtime and bedtime. I demand your praise for what I am doing well. Since I may become to before-and subsequently-schoolhouse care, help me get organized the dark before. Make sure I take everything ready for school.

Return to Elevation

Seven years

What I'm Like: I am often more quiet and sensitive to others than I was at six. Sometimes I tin can exist mean to others my age and younger. I may hurt their feelings, but I really don't mean to. I tend to be more polite and amusing to adult suggestions. By now I am witting of my schoolwork and am beginning to compare my work and myself with others. I desire my schoolwork to look "right." If I make mistakes, I tin easily get frustrated.

What I Need: I need to tell y'all about my experiences, and I need the attending of other adult listeners. I really want you to listen to me and understand my feelings. Please don't put me downward or tell me I can't do it—help me to larn in a positive way. Please cheque my homework and reading assignments. Let me go over to my friends and play when possible. I still need hugs, kisses, and a bedtime story.

Eight years

What I'm Similar: My curiosity and eagerness to explore new things continues to grow. Friends are more than important. I savor playing and beingness with peers. Recess may be my favorite "subject" in school. I may follow you around the house merely to find out how you experience and recall, especially near me. I am also beginning to be aware of adults as individuals and am curious most what they do at work. Effectually the house or at child intendance, I tin can exist quite helpful.

What I Need: My concept of an contained cocky has been developing. I assert my individuality, and there are bound to be conflicts. I am expected to learn and read and to get forth with others. I demand back up in my efforts and so that I will have a desire for achievement. Your expectations will have a large impact on me. If I am not doing well in school, explain to me that everyone learns at a dissimilar footstep, and that tiny improvements make a difference. Tell me that the most important thing is to do my best. You tin inquire my teachers for means to aid me at home. Problems in reading and writing should be handled now to avoid more trouble later on. And busy 8-year-olds are normally hungry!

Ix through eleven years: an overview

Children from nine to eleven are like the socks they buy, with a great range of stretch. Some are still "trivial kids" and others are quite mature. Some are already inbound puberty, with body, emotions, and attitude changes during this stage. Parents demand to take these changes into business relationship when they are choosing child intendance for this age group. These children begin to think logically and like to piece of work on real tasks, such as mowing lawns or baking. They have a lot of natural marvel about living things and savour having pets.

What I'chiliad Like: I have lots of energy, and physical activities are important to me. I similar to take function in sports and group activities. I like dress, music, and my friends. I'yard invited to sleepovers and to friends' houses frequently. I want my hair cutting a certain way. I'grand non as certain virtually school every bit I am nigh my social life. Those of u.s.a. who are girls are ofttimes taller and heavier than the boys. Some girls may be first to bear witness signs of puberty, and nosotros may exist cocky-witting about that. I feel powerful and contained, as though I know what to practice and how to practise it. I tin think for myself and want to be contained. I may exist eager to get an adult.

What I Need: I demand you to go along communication lines open by setting rules and giving reasons for them, past being a skilful listener, and by planning alee for changes in the schedule. Retrieve, I am even so a child then don't expect me to act like an developed. Know that I like to be an agile member of my household, to assist program activities, and to be a role of the decision-making. Once I am 11 or older, I may be set to take care of myself from fourth dimension to time rather than get to child care. I notwithstanding need adult help and encouragement in doing my homework.

Every bit children enter adolescence, they want their independence. Yet they even so want to exist children and need your guidance. As your child grows, it's easier to exit him at home for longer periods of time and too ask him to intendance for younger children. Trust your instincts and watch your child to brand sure y'all are not placing besides much responsibility on him at one time. Talk to him. Keep the door open. Make sure he is comfortable with a new role of caregiver and is withal able to end his school work and other projects.

Xi through fourteen years: an overview

Your child is changing so fast—in body, heed, and emotions—that y'all hardly know her anymore. One twenty-four hour period she'southward as responsible and cooperative as an developed; the adjacent twenty-four hours she'southward more than like a six-year-old. Planning beyond today's baseball game or slumber party is hard. One minute she'south sunny and enthusiastic. The next she's gloomy and silent. Go on cool. These children are in process; they're becoming more cocky-sufficient. It's Independence Day!

What I'yard Like: I'1000 more independent than I used to be, but I'm quite cocky-witting. I think more like an adult, but there'due south no simple reply. I similar to talk about problems in the adult world. I similar to think for myself, and though I often feel confused, my opinions are important to me, and I desire others to respect them. I seem to exist moving away from my family unit. Friends are more important than ever. To have them like me, I sometimes deed in means that adults disapprove of. But I still need reasonable rules set by adults. Nevertheless, I'm more understanding and cooperative. I desire zip to do with babysitters—in fact, if I'm mature enough I tin frequently be past myself or watch others.

What I Need: I demand to know my family is behind me no matter how I may stumble in my attempts to grow upwardly. This growing up is serious business, and I need to express joy and play a lot to lighten up and keep my balance. I demand you to understand that I'1000 doing my best and to encourage me to meet my mistakes equally learning experiences. Please don't tease me about my clothes, hair, boy/girl friends. I likewise need privacy with my own space and things.

Return to Pinnacle

Dwelling house Alone?

Intendance Well-nigh Quality Table of Contents

Questions:

Early Learning and Intendance Division | 916-322-6233

Last Reviewed: Thursday, April 22, 2021