1. Principles of Development  Development follows a pattern of stages and progresses through similar stages in about the same order. For example, infants learn to hold their head up steadily before they learn to sit up. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

2. Principles of Development  Development occurs at a different rate. Each child is an individual and will progress through the stages of development at a different rate. For example, one infant may learn to sit up at five months, while another may not sit up until seven months. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

3. Principles of Development  Development follows a sequence so that skills build on the child’s earlier learning. Development follows a step by step sequence. For example, before the infant uses fingers to reach and grasp, he/she uses hands to reach and grasp. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

4. Principles of Development  Each different area of development is related to the other areas. Physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development occurs continually and affects each of the others. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

5. Principles of Development  Development continues through life. Sometimes it happens quickly, and sometimes it progresses slowly. It does not stop at a certain age. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.