Developmental Domains

A child care professional who is knowledgeable of the typical behaviors and abilities of children can support new learning and detect problems.

A child care professional must be knowledgeable of the typical behaviors and abilities in six areas or domains.

An easy way to remember the six domains is by using the acronym: “McPiles”

“M” reminds us of a child’s Motor Development

“C” represents Creative

“P” stands for their Physical Health

“I” reminds us of a child’s Intellectual or Cognitive skills; what they know. or Cognitive skills; what they know.

“L” is for Language and Communication

“E/S” represents their Emotional/Social Development

Each domain is equally important to the growth and development of a child.

Knowing the typical growth, behavior or skill expectancies prepares you to set up the environment, design curriculum and assist parents in evaluating their child’s progress.

You are expected to be able to name the six domains as well as give an example that describes each area.

Motor Development

refers to a child’s ability to move and control various body parts. Motor Development

only occurs after the appropriate physical development has occurred. Motor Development

Gross motor refers to movement of the large muscles in the arms, legs and trunk. Motor Development

Fine motor refers to movement of the small muscles in the fingers and hands. Motor Development

refers to how a child learns. Creative AKA Approaches to Learning

It involves curiosity, a child’s Approaches to Learning eagerness to learn, and persistence.

As well as creative problem solving and the ability to create and complete long-term projects. Approaches to Learning

Physical Health

refers to typical growth patterns, changes in weight, general health and safety, visual perception, hearing, and understanding the roles of health care providers.

Physical Health Includes teaching Self-Help skills like bathing and toileting.

Physical Health and encouraging good sleeping and eating habits

refers to what a child learns and knows. Intellectual, or Cognitive and General Knowledge

It involves exploration, discovery, concept and memory formation, problem solving and creative expression. Cognitive and General Knowledge

It includes knowledge of mathematics, scientific thinking, awareness of social studies and the arts. Cognitive and General Knowledge

refers to a child’s ability to communicate with others. Language and Communication

It involves a child’s ability to see, hear, speak, read, write Language and Communication and construct an understanding of the world around them.

Language Comprehension is understanding what is said to them—both verbally and non- verbally. Language and Communication

Expressive Language is the ability to produce language and is used to express a person’s thoughts to others. Language and Communication

Daily Reading is essential!

focuses on how children feel about themselves and their relationships with others. Social/Emotional Development

It refers to children’s individual behaviors and responses to Social/Emotional Development play and work activities,play and work activities, pro-social behaviorspro-social behaviors

Social/Emotional Development attachments to parents and caregiversattachments to parents and caregivers

Social/Emotional Development relationships with siblings and friends.relationships with siblings and friends.

It is essential that the environment sustain a child’s curiosity and creativity, evolving language and communication skills, and growing knowledge about the world.