Physical and Motor Development of the Toddler By Jessica Rodriguez

Question: How do we create and maintain a safe, hygienic, and healthy environment for toddlers?

Creating a Safe, Healthy, and Hygienic Environment Sanitize toys Check toys for safety Provide age appropriate toys Clean toys regularly Encourage toddlers to wash hands Store food safely Remove choking hazards and drowning hazards Ensure a high adult to child ratio Provide knowledgeable EC professionals

Question: What are some large motor skill milestones for toddlers?

Large Motor Milestones for Toddlers Walks more steadily (walks forward and backward and on toes) Climbs and descends stairs with help Runs, jumps, hops, gallops Balances on one foot Dances and imitates animal movements Kicks and throws balls Follow simple dances

Question What are some small motor skill milestones for toddlers?

Small Motor Milestones for Toddlers Turns pages Holds and uses drawing and writing tools Builds with blocks Strings beads Creates “trains” with objects Feeds and helps dress self Works puzzles

Question: How can we promote both large and small motor development in toddlers?

Promoting Motor Development in Toddlers Encourage toddlers to try out new activities –Jumping, hopping, balancing, dancing, kicking and throwing balls –Feeding and dressing self –Stirring, mixing, spreading foods –Building taller towers Create opportunities for toddlers to play with materials –Balls, slides, jungle gyms –Paints, crayons, markers, play-dough –Blocks, puzzles, books, beads

Question: How can we encourage exploration, discovery, and independence in toddlers?

Question: What are self-help efforts?

Self-Help Efforts Brushing teeth Dressing and undressing Following simple directions Fetching and carrying activities Washing own face after meals Washing hands Bathing Telling simple events

Question: Why are self-help efforts so important to a toddler’s development?

Relevance of Self-Help Efforts Self-help efforts encourage autonomy and independence They also develop self-efficacy—the belief they can complete tasks successfully on their own Punishing or discouraging self-help efforts can cause children to be dependent and defiant… Why???

Body and Gender Awareness Body Awareness: –Recognition of one’s body parts, functions, and physical abilities Gender Awareness: –Recognition that males and females are different; usually during the first year Gender Identity: –Knowing they are male or female; usually by age 2 ½ to 3 years old

Suggestions for Addressing Body and Gender Awareness Body Awareness: –Encourage kids to learn their body parts (arms, toes, ribs, nose, nostrils, shin, etc.) –Help kids make connections between the part and its function (nose—smelling; eyes—seeing, etc.) Gender Awareness: –Respond to questions simply and non- judgmentally –Avoid shocked or embarrassed responses to questions… do not shame the child for asking questions about their bodies –Be matter of fact, but avoid detailed responses

Question: What are some readiness cues for toilet learning?

Toilet Learning and Readiness Cues Toilet learning –Occurs over several years –Cannot be taught at a predetermined age –Depends on each child’s neurological development Readiness Cues –Verbal skills or body language cues—necessary to express need to go –A conscious ability to control their urges –Attempts to remove soiled diapers –Using words to describe need to go to the bathroom

Question: How can you promote good nutrition for toddlers?

Promoting Nutrition Encourage parents to provide healthy foods Talk to toddlers about healthy foods Teach lessons on healthy foods Plant and grow fruits or veggies that kids can taste Make food presentation appealing

Possible Vision Signs and Symptoms Crossing of eyes (persistent) Fluttering eyeballs Inability to track moving objects White pupils Pain or redness in eyes Persistent watery eyes Sensitivity to light Thick discharge from eyes Frequent squinting or rubbing Tilting or turning head to “See” Droopy eyelids Bulging eyes

Possible Hearing Signs and Symptoms Failure to turn in direction of sounds Pulling or rubbing ears Turning or tilting head toward sound Staring at speaker’s mouth Scared by sound Inattentive Failure to follow directions Delayed speech and language Ear aches, colds, or allergies

Question: If you are concerned about a child’s hearing or vision (or any other health issue), what steps should you take?

Early Detection of Problems Aids Treatment Look for: –Hearing or vision symptoms –Skin discoloration, bruises, lesions –Normal increase in weight and height –Chronic illness or allergies –Decaying teeth –Delayed motor or language skills –Delayed social skills –Unusual behaviors Keep records of your observations with dates Communicate with parents Report abuse or neglect

Question: How can an EC professional support a family who lives in poverty?

Guidelines for Non-parental Toddler Care Small groups High adult-child ratios Educated caregivers Stability in child-caregiver relationship Developmentally appropriate curriculum and expectations Family-centered care and support

References Puckett, M. & Black, J. (2005). The Young Child. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.