Module 1

Getting to Know Each Child

In this module, participants learn about the ecological model of child development, apply it to better understand and plan for individual children, and reinforce their knowledge of the interrelated nature of child development.

Outcomes

As a result of completing this module, the staff will be able to:

Key Concepts Background Information

Factors Affecting Child Development

For many years, scientists and psychologists from a variety of cultures have studied how children develop. These studies produced some widely accepted theories about stages of development that most children, regardless of individual characteristics and family experiences, pass through as they learn to think, reason, and get along in society. The research has also led to definitions of principles that apply to most children's growth and development and of milestones, specific skills learned in sequence, generally within a given age range.

These stages of development, principles, and milestones provide useful information for parents and others who nurture and support children.

However, other factors must also be considered. Each child develops within a family, community, and culture. A child's experiences in the home setting enormously impact how and what the child learns. For example, children raised in families that include three generations witness and participate in human relationships different from those of children raised by single parents who have little contact with other family members. Children who grow up in rural areas construct knowledge about different topics than do children who grow up in cities. Children living near clean, well-equipped public parks will probably have more opportunities to play outdoors than do children who have no safe places in which to play. To truly understand how to support each child's development, we must learn about the environment in which each child is being raised.

Ecological Model

Dr. Urie Bronfenbrenner, a child development theorist, developed the ecological model to explain his views on how family, community, and cultural factors influence each child's development. Bronfenbrenner placed the child at the center of this model and noted that a child's development was influenced by gender, age, health and nutrition status, temperament, and other individual characteristics. His theory is particularly compatible with Head Start's comprehensive and integrated approach to identifying and addressing each child's health, nutrition, and developmental needs.

Bronfenbrenner' s ecological, model of development can explain how family, community, and culture affect the growth and development of children growing up in many different cultures and settings. The model supports several, of Head Start's philosophical tenets:

Immediate Environment

Bronfenbrenner's model describes four environmental systems that influence a child's development. The first system, the immediate environment in which a child lives, includes family, school (or child development program), peers, and neighborhood. Children's relationships and interactions with people in this system have the most immediate effect on their development.

Relationships/Connections

The second system involves relationships or connections between the people and institutions in a child's immediate environment (the first setting). For example, effective communication between parents and teachers about a child's experiences and progress supports and enhances that child's growth and development. On the other hand, when expectations at home and school are very different or conflict, a child's development may be hindered.

Indirect Influences

Children's growth and development can also be affected by a third system of indirect influences-experiences and institutions in which the children do not actively participate but that involve people and institutions related to the child. Changes involving these people and institutions can indirectly affect children's growth and development. For example, when a new recreational facility opens in the neighborhood, children have a place to play and be with friends and family; these positive experiences enhance children's development A parent who enters a job training program develops increased competence and self-sufficiency. By achieving a life goal, the-parent gains greater self-respect, which can also positively impact on a child's development.

Culture

The fourth and final system in Bronfenbrenner's model is the culture in which a child is raised. Most cultures have values and practices related to child rearing. Certain behaviors are encouraged, while others are considered inappropriate or undesirable. In addition, each child's sense of self is, in part rooted in culture. Children tend to flourish in environments that acknowledge and respect their cultural beliefs and customs. Conversely, when children's cultures are not reflected in their experiences beyond the home, they may not achieve their maximum potential.

Head Start staff can use the ecological model to get to know each child and to understand the many factors that are likely to affect a child's growth and development. This information will help staff establish partnerships with parents and plan programs that support children's development at home, at the center, and during group socialization sessions.


Handout 1 Activity 1-1
Handout 2 Activity 1-2
Handout 3 Activity 1-3
 Next Step Activity 1-4
Module 2 Index