Child development and features of a positive environment?

[Jkillett90]

Hello is anyone doing this course CACHE Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children & Young People
and can help me on assignment 11 I've got really stuck.

a few of the question are these:

1. explain why young children's development may occur in different sequences and at different rate?

2. Explain how all areas of development are interconnected?

3. outline the features of positive environment that supports the development of young children?

many thanks Joanna

[Ruthierhyme]

Hi, welcome to the site.

1. The rate and sequence differs for every child because each child is unique.

If you search inside this slightly older course book for the words 'understand the influences' click to page 94.

You've already learnt(?) that there are norms, milestones and expected stages of development linked to a child's age so that we can monitor how things are going, track progress and to check to make sure any problems are identified as quickly as possible so that support can be given. The situations that influence a child's rate and sequence of development involves their very own unique background, their health status and the environment they're growing up in. Not all are the same so not all of their sequences and rates will be the same.


Quote page 95+


Background: families and parents play a huge part in children and young people's development. There are many factors linked to a child's background that can affect their development.

Family dynamics
Families are important in children's lives. Most children grow up in a families, but there are some who grow up in either foster families or in the care of the local authority. The perfect family does not exist. Some families seem to be closer than others and this can help children's development., but all families will have times of stress. Chi;dren who have good rel;ationships with their parents, brothers and sisters can gain confidence and they also seem to do better at school. When families split up or are often arguing, children's and young people's emotional and social development can be affected.They may feel left out or uncared for. As children become more independent, siome will avoid spending time with their families and may, for example, hang around with friends on the street or stay out late. This can make them more vulnerable to the attention of undesirable adults or to straying into anti-social behaviour.

Parenting styles
Most parents want to do the best for their children. Some parents find it harder than others to know quite what they should do with their children. this means that some parents can be too strict, while others may be too relaxed. Some parents may find it hard to show their love and approval, So their relationships with their children are more strained. Parenting style seems to be important in helping children to learn about behaviour and also about taking responsibility. It also seems to make a difference in terms of helping xchildren to feel settled emotionally.

Poverty
How much money a family has to live on seems to have an impact on development. Thereare many reasons for this. Firstly, parents who are struggling to make ends meet may be very stressed. This can affect their parenting style. The lack of money can also mean that families cannot afford to eat properly or to live in nice areas. It alo means that families cannot always afforf to do things that help children's learning auch as buying a computer or to take their children out on visits.

Culture/religion
Every family is slightly different. Each family will have its own traditions, values and beliefs. One family will believe that sitting down for a meal together is important, while another family will mot care about this. Some traditions in families are linked to their religionor culture. Some children who grow up in families that have a strong culture or religious beliefs can benefit because it gives them a strong identity. Other children may find it difficult because their family lis different to their friend's or because they feel restricted by what their parents or family want them to do.


Health: is a complex issue. Often our health is a mixture between our genetic make-up and factors such as where we live, what we eat and our stress levels.

In some cases children are born with a condition that will automatically affect them, for example they may have diabeted or a blood condition. Other children may have a predisposition towards certain diseases. This meanss that they do not automatically develop them, but certain circumstances will trigger them. A good example of of this ios asthma. Asthma is a coindition that affects children's breathing and is currently on the increase. Children who live where the air quality is poor, live in damp conditions or whose parents smoke are more likely to develop it.

Where children are unwell or have an ongoing medical condition, this may affect their development. They may not feel like playing or their condition may restrict what they can do. Halth can affect many aspects of children's development. Children may find it harder to make friends becasue they are not well enough to attend regularly or they cannor pohysically join in the play. Being unwell can also affect children's emotional development as it can make them feel that they are not 'normal' and are different to others. Finally being unwell can affect children';s cognitive development. They may not be able to concentrate because they feel poorly or becasue drowsiness is a side-effect of the medication they are taking. Children may also miss out on learning becasue they are not able to attend regularly.

Sleep
As well as medical conditions, sleep can also have an influence on children's development.

Sufficient sleep is essential for children's cognitive development. When children are tired, they find it hard to remember new information and to concentrate.

How much sleep do children need on NHS

Diet
Children's growth, behaviour and development can be affected by their diet. A balanced diet will help children to remain healthy as well as to grow.




Environment : where children gorw up and what they do ios oftenm linked to their background. It cab also have quite an effect on their development.


Opportunities for education and learning
Some children are lucky becasue they have plenty of different opportunities for education and learning. They may go to a good childmiinder, pre-school or nurser. As they get older, they may be able to go to a school that has good facilities and teachers. Children may be in an environment that where talent can be nurtured.

Play and stimulation
We know that young children need plenty of opportunities to play in order to help their development. Some children are lucky because their environment has plenty of different resources in it and there is space to play. Other children are less fortunate. Theu may be in environments that are small or have limited resources. They may not be able to play with a wide range of different materials or are with people who do not un derstand the value of play. This can affect their cognitive development becasue they are not doign new things or having a wide range of experiences.

Language and interaction

As well as play, children need plenty of opportiunities to tlak with adults. This helps children to develop language, whichb in turn helps them to learn and think. Some children are lucky becasue their parents take time to talk abnd they spend time in good quality early years settings, where adults show them things and encourage their speech.

Opportunities to be active
We know that children benefit from being physically active. It helps them to take exercise while having fun, but also allows them to learn. Some children are in environments that are perfect for this. They may live near fields, parks or leisure centres. Being active gives children confidence and also helps their physical development. It seems to help their cognitive development, as activity can be stimulating for the brain.

Safety
Children need to be kept safe, but still need the chance to explore. Good environments are safe ones for children, but are still ones that are challenging. Children who are in areas where no exciting p;laygrounds or areas to play may do things that are unsafe, such as playing by canals or on building sites. This can mean ,they have accidents leading to long-tern injuries or medical conditions.


2. To research how areas of development are connected, the table on page 93 shows how a game affects different areas. Search inside for holistic






3. Features of a positive environment include it being

• Welcoming
• Stimulating and attractive
• Well planned and organised
• Clean and well maintained
• Appropriate temperature/heating and ventilation
• Good light
• Quiet areas for resting
• Adequate space
• Variety of activities
• Intersting wall displays
• Adults for help and suprervision

You tutor may of recommended this handbook for your course Level 2 Introduction the early years care and education ?


Hope this helps, best wishes

[Jkillett90]

Hello

thank you for response to my question that has help me. My tutor didn't really suggest any books. it a online course im doing.

you couldn't help me on these two question:
Explain how the features previously outlined support the development of young children?

Describe how to create a positive environment which will support the development of young children.

Many thanks

[Ruthierhyme]

Hi, the reason for having a positive environment is so that children can be in a place - inside or outside that offers them a variety of opportunities to learn, develop new skills and (if you work in England) eventually reach the early learning goals of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)

What development records does your setting keep? If you ask for a copy you'll be able to use the wording that's already being used to write about the features of a good environment and how it supprts development - personal, social and emotional physical, Communication & Language Literacy Math Art & design Understanding the world

This is a useful book - enabling environments




Does you setting have a copy you could read? If not there a few preview that may help.

(Please note, where it says about Every Child Matters in the book, you will need to check with your tutor before writing about it, as the book is dated 2015 and ECM isn't always used anymore.)

Creating a positive environment means to take all those features into account and plan a space - one that's welcoming, stimulating, has adults that care, interesting areas and activities. Think about your setting and how they do it xx

Best wishes