According to UNICEF, the global under-five mortality rate has declined by 61% from 1990 to 2020. Even though this drop is commendable, more must be done to give children a greater chance of developing into healthy adults. Child development behavior and mental health ensure that a child is on track, especially during their developmental years. Training in child development can help spot issues early, such as learning disabilities, and practical measures are taken to mitigate future issues.
This post will discuss what child development is and why it’s essential.
What is child development?
Child development is the process of change that occurs from childhood to the beginning of adulthood. It involves a sequence of biological, physiological, and cognitive changes. This change process occurs in three stages: early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. Early childhood is 0-6 years from birth. This is where the child learns to walk, talk and develop a sense of self. Middle childhood is 6-12 years. This stage marks a child’s first real experience within a community. At this stage, the child might start formal education, interact with other children, spend less time at home, and further develop their sense of self. Adolescence is around 12-13 years from puberty to the early years of adulthood. At this stage, most changes are physical and cognitive. Additionally, this marks the start of responsibility and accountability emphasized more by society.
Why study child development?
Learning child development is important because:
It creates a foundation for the growth of a child
As a child grows, it is possible to assist their development and early learning because early knowledge and abilities shape and affect later learning. Adults can encourage cognitive growth by supporting children’s active engagement with new experiences and providing developmentally appropriate stimulation of new learning through responsive, secure, and long-term caregiving relationships. This is possible when adults know how the mind develops, what progress children make in their cognitive abilities, and how active inquiry and learning are children’s natural inclinations.
Provides a safe environment for children
Learning child development is important for helping children get through traumatic experiences caused by abuse or neglect. For instance, a play therapist can use play to understand a child’s mental state. They then conduct therapeutic interventions during individual or group therapy sessions to help the child. Working with children exposed to traumatic events requires strategies known as trauma-informed care (TIC) learned in childhood development. Here, one learns how to recognize the effects of trauma, its symptoms, and possible avenues for healing.
It helps in the development of learning activities
Child education programs should be created to support children’s learning. The benefit of a curriculum is that it offers a clear structure and a path to accomplish a particular objective. Such programs offer flexibility and effectiveness and allow teachers to educate children better.
Offers multiple career opportunities
There are several employment options available for those who study child development. One can find work as learning mentors, early year teachers, or education consultants. It also provides a solid foundation for those seeking employment in specialized fields, including developmental pediatrics, youth work, or the coordination of special education programs. A degree in child development might also be helpful for people considering other professions, including nursing, counseling, law enforcement, social work, or the legal field.
A career in child development is good for someone who enjoys working with children. It is also suitable for one looking to advance their career. By learning about child development, parents and teachers can better support children’s growth and help those affected to recover from childhood traumas.
