1. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Chapter 8
Early Childhood
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

2. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Objectives
Define early childhood.
Describe characteristics common to toddlers.
Describe characteristics common to preschool children.
Discuss the developmental tasks of early childhood.
List three factors that aid in the development of language skills.
List at least three guidelines for selecting a preschool or day care center.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

3. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Objectives (cont.)
Describe the role of physical activity in maintaining health.
Describe the characteristic play and appropriate toys for a toddler and preschool child.
List three safety risks common to the early childhood years.
Discuss the principles of guidance and discipline for children during the early childhood years.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

4. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Key Terms
age-appropriate toys
cooperative play
corporal punishment
dental caries
discipline
early childhood
expressive language 
immunity
oropharynx
parallel play
pincer grasp
preschool phase
receptive language 
time-out
toddler phase  
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

5. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Definitions
Early childhood
Toddler phase
Preschool phase
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

6. Developmental Tasks of Early Childhood
Acquiring receptive language and expressive language
Developing social interaction skills
Mastering self-control in such areas as toilet training
Beginning to develop a self-image and sense of autonomy
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

7. Physiological Changes
Walking
Fontanels
Weight gain
Pincer grasp
Hearing
Fine motor skills
Toilet training
Figure 8-1.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

8. Critical Thinking Question 1
Why is it important to identify readiness cues in a child before the initiation of toilet training?
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

9. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Nutrition
Fed by adults whose eating habits may be based on ethnic, cultural, folklore, or fad concepts
Adequate nutrition is essential for optimal physical and mental development in young children
Eating habits are developed during the early childhood years
See Figure 8-2. Portion Plate for Kids
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

10. Critical Thinking Question 2
What are reasons for teaching parents to read food labels as a way to promote nutritional and dental health?
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

11. Psychosocial Development
Tasks and considerations include Language and Communication Skills Development, Cognitive Development, Moral Development, Sexuality, Physical Activity, Play, and Day Care
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

12. Language Development and Communication Skills
Differs between toddlers and preschool-age children
See Table 8-2.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

13. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
The Toddler
Develop receptive language before expressive language
First clear word and responds to simple commands by age 1 year
Speaks four to six words by 15 months
Speaks 15 words by 19 months
By age 2, vocabulary exceeds 100 words and can follow two-step commands
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

14. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
The Preschooler
Language development occurs rapidly
5 year old has a vocabulary that exceeds 2000 words
Speech development is a reflection of mental and emotional development
See Tables 8-1 and 8-2.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

15. Cognitive Development
Toddler begins to use words to express ideas and to solve problems
Preschool thinking involves Piaget's preoperational or prelogical characteristics
Gradually learn about cause and effect and how to solve problems
Major task for preschooler is to learn impulse control
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

16. Critical Thinking Question 3
In what instances would a parent need to intervene during a temper tantrum?
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

17. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Moral Development
Learning self-control and learning to share with others are moral tasks of early childhood according to Kohlberg
Preschoolers look carefully at parents as models of moral behavior
Child will learn socially acceptable behavior through consistent, positive reinforcement and discipline
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

18. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Discipline
Time-out
Corporal punishment
Rewarding good behavior is most effective technique
The operant theory of effective discipline techniques
See Table 8-3.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

19. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Sexuality
Parents have an impact on the molding of sexuality in their infants and children
Acceptance or rejection of hugging and kissing as an expression of emotion by parents can influence sexuality
See Table 8-4.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

20. Critical Thinking Question 4
How do attitudes of parents or caregivers affect development of sexuality in infants and children? What about attitudes of health care workers?
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

21. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Physical Activity
Children should be physically active for a minimum of 60 minutes every day
Organized sports
Limit sedentary activities
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

22. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Play
Age-appropriate toys
Parallel play
Cooperative play
Play allows the child to imitate adult roles, be the aggressor, assume superpowers, and solve problems
See Figure 8-3, Figure 8-5, and Figure 8-6.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

23. Critical Thinking Question 5
What impact do home life, environment, and culture have on a preschooler’s drawings?
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

24. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Day Care
Big step toward developing independence
Family day care centers
Preschool centers
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

25. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Teaching Techniques
Help express feelings through words rather than acting out
Tooth-brushing twice daily
Behaviors of the child and responses of the parent should be discussed at well child visits
See Figure 8-7.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

26. Safety and Accident Prevention
Automobile accidents
Burns
Falls
Suffocation and choking
Poisoning
Electric shock
Animal bites
See Table 8-5, Figure 8-8, and Safety Alert
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

27. Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Immunizations
Immunization program starts at 2 months of age when the child is capable of producing their own antibodies
Develop a partnership with the parents and understand their values
Health Promotion and Appendix A.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.