This means that to be a good practitioner, you need to know child development. This is how and when children develop. If you know that a child is supposed to be saying their first words at about 12 months, put words together about 2 years, speak fluently at 3, and more so at 4. if you had a child aged 4 in your setting who wasn't talking as he should, how would you know if he has a delay if you don't know what he should be doing? How would you know if it is just that he's just a bit behind the others, or when it may be a problem and you may need to discuss it with your setting's SENCO? Perhaps this child may need referring to a speech therapist. This would of course be discussed with parents, manager etc. it's not a decision you would have to make alone. Please let me know if you need any more. Charlotte.
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