1 Infant Development Entry-level Training Module II Lesson One

2 Reflection “To grow a child’s mind, nurture a baby’s heart.” What does this mean to you? Do you agree/disagree? Why?

3 Use it or lose it… Brain cells form in first months of fetal life Most brain cell connections are made in the 1st year Connections decline after this time to age ten The connections (synapses) grow and change as a result of stimulation from the environment

4 Making Connections

5 Developmental Milestones Months Follow objects visually and reach for them Respond to familiar people Roll over Babble Calm to parent's/caregiver’s voices

6 Developmental Milestones Months Imitate sounds and facial expressions Begin to play simple games (peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, etc.) Sit alone, creep, crawl Respond to own name Hold own bottle

7 Developmental Alerts If, by 12 months of age, a child DOES NOT: – Blink when fast-moving objects approach the eye – Begin to cut teeth – Imitate simple sounds – Follow simple verbal request: come, bye-bye, etc. – Pull to stand – Transfer objects from hand to hand – Show anxiety toward strangers – Interact playfully with parents, caregivers, etc. – Feed self, hold bottle/cup, pick up and eat finger foods – Creep or crawl

8 Developmental Needs Trust, security Warm, responsive caregivers (attachment) Opportunities to move, explore, manipulate (indoors AND outdoors) Safe, stimulating materials Opportunities to hear language, play with and use language

9 Attachment Secure attachment – Met infant’s physical and emotional needs – Talked to and interacted with infant – Provided appropriate stimulation (not too much or too little) Insecure attachment – Child is clingy or withdrawn – Emotionally uninvolved

10 Health & Safety Keep heavier toys on lowest shelves Use only non-toxic/non-flammable toys Inspect toys regularly for hazards Do NOT use hazardous materials such as: – Newsprint, bleach bottles for play, balloons – Breakable objects, objects that could be swallowed – Wooden objects with splinters, or objects with strings

11 Infant Environment Variety of safe spaces; some carpeted, some hard surfaces Variety of sensory-motor materials Variety of different activities at the same time; some sleeping, eating, playing alone, with others, etc. Toys placed within infant’s reach Caregivers encouraging infants

12 Appropriate Materials for Sensory- Motor Development Toys: soft balls, dolls, stuffed animals, rattles, plastic keys, busy boxes, push toys Unbreakable mirror Non-stereotypical pictures (all levels) and picture books Texture mittens, blankets, balls, blocks, etc. Household items; pots, pans, spoons, etc. Sensory play, art activities

13 Appropriate Materials for Cognitive Development Human-beings! (loving grown-ups) Toys that promote visual-reaching, grasping Toys that provide cause/effect opportunities Multi-sensory, versatile toys Toys that allow for independent exploration Multiples, variety of “loose parts”

14 Hope NOT to see… Infants wandering “aimlessly” or sitting in swing/infant seat for long periods of time Caregivers focused on cleaning/chores instead of responding to infants All infants doing the same thing at the same time Same toys/activities each day, little or no variation Too much or too little interaction/stimulation