Early Childhood Development

Early childhood development encompasses birth through age eight. Although it seems like a broad range of ages, children have one thing in common: they are all learning and developing new skills at a rapid pace during this time. These ages are critical in the formation of a child's development in all areas. There are many different developmental areas that need to be taught and supported during these ages.

  1. Social Development

    • Social development has to do with a child's ability to interrelate with other children and adults. In early childhood, a child will learn social development skills, such as smiling back at his caregiver at just a few weeks old to learning about taking turns with a toy as a toddler.

    Language Development

    • Language development is a child's ability to understand and use language, whether it is her native or second language. A baby's first coos in response to her parents singing to her is an example of very early language development, and an older child learning to use the proper names for objects is an example of more developed language skills.

    Cognitive Development

    • Cognitive development is a child's ability to think and reason, according to the website, CincinnatiChildrens.org. Cognitive development is evident in a child learning how to reach out and grab an object at a very young age, and figuring out a simple math problem as a five-year-old.

    Fine Motor Skill Development

    • Fine motor skill development is when a child is able to use their small muscle groups to do things. Small muscle groups, such as those in the fingers, are used from a young age on up. Young babies learn to hold objects in their hands at a few months of age, while older children grasp small objects and learn how to manipulate them, such as using a paint brush to paint a picture.

    Gross Motor Skill Development

    • Gross motor skill development is part of a child's physical developmental skills. Gross motor skills are the use of large muscle groups, such as the arms and legs. A baby will use gross motor skills to learn how to crawl, while an older child may use their gross motor skills to jump and hop.

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