Early Childhood Development and Education Practices

This assignment delves into the complexities of early childhood development. It outlines various factors influencing a child's growth and emphasizes the importance of creating a nurturing environment that fosters their holistic development. The document explores different educational approaches and strategies for interacting with children effectively. It highlights the significance of imparting moral values and ensuring children receive proper care and guidance.

Child Development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Essential 1........................................................................................................................................1
Ethos on working with children.............................................................................................1
Essential 2........................................................................................................................................2
Factor influencing child development....................................................................................2
Essential 3........................................................................................................................................3
UNCRC and children's right based approach.........................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Child development is defined to be the emotional, mental and physical changes that takes
place in a kid. The development of a child can be related with genes and external environmental
factors which carries a significant impact in the shaping of a child (Greenfield, 2014). It is
essential to observe and monitor behaviour of a child which leads to ideal development of a
child. I am currently working as a nursery assistant and trying to develop behaviour of child in
the right manner so as to ascertain better outcomes. Working with toddlers is not an easy job, but
my efforts are always in the direction to create an positive environment so that they get equal
opportunities to develop in ideal manner.
It is undeniable fact that playing for children is their work which is supported by learning.
Therefore I always emphasize on laying down playing opportunities through toddlers are able to
try out new skills and creativity which is embedded in them. The activity should be also provide
them with a chance to use their imagination and explore the relationship which they share with
others. It is very important me to observe their actions and activities in best possible manner so
that their actions can be directed to their mental and physical growth. However I have
encountered some problems in context of child development from medical complications and
prenatal circumstances which are to be overlooked and continue working on fulfilling their
developmental needs.
Essential 1
Ethos on working with children
Ethos are defined to be set of value and belief which are guiding a behaviour of an
individual. It is essential for a practitioner like me to possess right belief and values which will
further helps in shaping attitude and behaviour of a child in right direction. The creativity and
imagination of a child is to evolved so that a youngster is able to nurture his skills and expertise.
I an currently rendering my services to the nursery located on 57 Filmer Road, London. Working
as a nursery assistant I have a very big responsibility of observing and directing behaviour and
attitude of a child. The ethos of being a nursery assistant encourages me to commit to the work I
am doing and provide best possible childcare services so both the kid's and his family's
expectations are fulfilled. Every child is treated equal and provided with distinct specialised
attention so that he is provided with right environment to grow.
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I aim to provide with safe, warm and supportive environment so that they are encouraged
to learn and enhance their physical and motor capabilities (Shonkoff, 2010). It is my belief that
every kid has a special ability when supported with right culture and climate in the school. Every
sector is emphasized be it curriculum, nutrition, facility and play. I also make efforts to derive a
balance between all these components in right manner so that overall needs are fulfilled. The age
group is toddlers is a crucial time in life of a kid as he experiences enormous changes in the
sector of emotional, social and emotional (Davies, 2010). This feature encourages me to work
extra harder so that they are provided with right culture and climate to grow in the ideal manner.
Through dealing with the youngsters I have gained immense knowledge about childhood
and have helped me in shaping and have been able to garner a lot of learning. At present I am
dealing with toddlers with experienced and matured approach so that their major needs are being
fulfilled. This experience that I possess have helped in redefining my ethos. I now have distinct
beliefs and attitudes when it comes to dealing with kids ranging from 12 to 36 months.
Development process of a kid is understood better as I have tried to gauge how this enlargement
of a youngster works which have helped me in offering better services to the nursery. The opting
of innovative approaches is a distinct approach adopted by me and have led in maintaining
interest of children in productive activities resulting in ideal development. I have been able to
learn to be more patient and sensitive towards the needs of a child and put my sincere efforts in
shaping future of a youngster.
Essential 2
Factor influencing child development
Child development is a slow process which is to be supported with right set of
environment to nourish in best possible manner. It is seen that children before reaching the age
of 5 years attain most of their cognitive and development. However that is not the case with all
the children. Some kids struggle at developing at an ideal pace due to variety of reasons which
again ascertained needs for a right support and guidance to attained desired level of
development. The development of a child is largely influenced by the environments and
experiences he is been through (Vandell and et. al., 2010). Children are prone to different issues
that are existing in society as well as in their immediate environment. They need to be properly
supervised and guided by a practitioner. Therefore I always make sure that they unharmed from
such circumstances and attain ideal level of development during this phase.
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The children are affected significantly by the behaviour of parents and adults which
covers environment around them. These factors can carry a positive as well as negative impact as
they kids are vulnerable. The first major factor which carries an impact on child development is
learning environment which is offered to kid. The provision of right set of environment ensures
that a child is more informative and developed when compared with a kid who is catered with
unproductive learning climate (Factors Affecting Early Childhood Development, 2017). It has
been identified that children who are exposed to poor education environment are prone to get
affected and not attaining development. The recent research conducted states that learning
environment can affect development of child by approximately 25% which makes it essential to
for them to be provided with right environment. The contemporary approaches states that
practitioners are supposed to spend more time interacting with kids and identifying approaches
through which their individual development will be catered (Davis and Sandman, 2010).
Therefore as a practitioner it is my duty to cater them with right set of environment so that they
are able to nourish them in an improved manner.
The another major crucial factor which impact the development of a child refers to the
interaction which a kid carries out with his parents or society. This factors is crucial for an ideal
development of a child. Parents constitute as maximum share in shaping behaviour and attitude
of a child. Parents who are more interactive and supportive towards activities of their children
tend to create a positive impact on the development of a child (Sameroff, 2010). The parents who
often neglect and ignore their child will hamper ideal development of a child. Under such
circumstances, when a practitioner thinks that a child is not looked after he should direct more
attention and support towards that child so that social and cognitional skills are enhanced. The
understanding of these factors have further led me to understand the important a climate or a
culture plays for the upbringing of a child. The toddler phase is most crucial time in the life of a
kid which makes it further more important for me to ensure that a child is able to learn and
develop in the best possible manner.
Essential 3
UNCRC and children's right based approach
United Nation Convention of rights of a child abbreviated as UNCRC provides the basis
for Unicef's work in context of younger generation. It consist of 54 Articles which encompasses
the major civil, political and cultural rights of a child. This organisation along with governmental
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agencies are working hard to make children aware about the rights and ensure that they are able
to enjoy and exercise the same (Barac and Bialystok, 2012).
Those countries who follow the convention has to abide laws of international law and any
compliment on the child is inspected by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child which is
made of members from various nations around the world. Every year on a particular time this
committee submits their report to the 3rd Committee of the UN General Assembly and they
adopts a Resolution on the Rights of the Child. Currently, there are 196 countries which are part
of this treaty. The key elements of children's right based approach are as follows:
Non-discrimination: This element state that all the children must be treated equal and
there should be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion and abilities. The state plays a
crucial role in the this element as the government have to take measures to prevent
discrimination being carried out upon children (Nokali, Bachman and Votruba‐Drzal, 2010).
There can be no grounds on which a child can be discriminated, a kid should be treated equally
under all circumstances. The UNCRC makes sure that the equal rights of a child are promoted
throughout the country.
Best interests of a child: All the actions and decisions taken by parties should be in the
best interest of a child. It has been observed that parties often neglect interests of a child in order
to pursue with the self gain. The decision makers after formulation of this convention are put
under an obligation that impact on children will be considered specially and evaluate whether the
decision will be able to elevate interest of a child or not. There have been instances when parents
are not able to fulfil their responsibilities due to numerous reasons. Under those circumstances
state will takes measures to promote interest of a child.
Participation: Under this convention, children are provided with a right to express their
opinions in the course of decision making. There are matters such as social, economic, religious
and cultural which may carry an impact on the life of children in which a youngster carry right to
say. This element is supported by laws such as freedom of expression and right to be heard
which determine the level of participation of a child in matter concerning him. This element
ensures that state and parents are bound to respect the rights which are provided to kids (Bernier,
Carlson and Whipple, 2010). However the understanding of the rights will develop with maturity
and psychological development of a child.
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Survival and development: this is another key element for the children's based
approaches. A child possess rights over resources and contribution which are necessary for
survival of a young child. The resources in this context are referred to food, shelter, clean water,
education and healthcare. This approaches is formed as refugees and disabled kids are deprived
from such basic rights which are necessary for the existence. The existence of these rights is not
enough it is essential to be provided with access so that they are able to lead a healthy and
comfortable life.
Gathering knowledge about UNCRC and its key elements is essential as they assist in
providing ideal opportunities to child to develop their skills and capabilities. It is essential that
this information is provided to children as they age. The definition of a children is referred to as
a person who is below the age of 18 years. This is because the children under mentioned age are
vulnerable and forced into unethical practices and works such as child prostitution and slavery
(Walker and et. al., 2011). This convention was much needed to protect the child and provide
them opportunities to have a comfortable life. The Joyce school have taken all the necessary
measures and actions to ensures that right of children are informed and communicated.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the above report that child development is a very important
factor. The child in the nursery when provided with right environment and guidance develop in
the best possible manner. Being a assistant in nursery student I always emphasize on providing
with the opportunity to explore their creative and imaginative side so to facilitate development.
They are observed and monitored carefully so that inclusive growth is promoted. The various
problems encountered are interacted and resolved so that right approach to overcome a challenge
is offered to a youngsters. Under no circumstances I let go my ethos of imparting knowledge and
deal with the kids patiently and sensitively at the same time responding to their needs in the right
manner. As an practitioner I ensure that the moral value are taught to the children as this will
help them grow in their personal life.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journal
Greenfield, P. M., 2014. Cross-cultural roots of minority child development. Psychology Press.
Davies, D., 2010. Child development: A practitioner's guide. Guilford Press.
Vandell, D. L and et. al., 2010. Do effects of early child care extend to age 15 years? Results
from the NICHD study of early child care and youth development. Child development.
81(3). pp.737-756.
Sameroff, A., 2010. A unified theory of development: A dialectic integration of nature and
nurture. Child development. 81(1). pp.6-22.
El Nokali, N. E., Bachman, H. J. and Votruba‐Drzal, E., 2010. Parent involvement and children’s
academic and social development in elementary school. Child development. 81(3).
pp.988-1005.
Bernier, A., Carlson, S. M. and Whipple, N., 2010. From external regulation to self‐regulation:
Early parenting precursors of young children’s executive functioning. Child
development. 81(1). pp.326-339.
Walker, S. P and et. al., 2011. Inequality in early childhood: risk and protective factors for early
child development. The Lancet. 378(9799). pp.1325-1338.
Barac, R. and Bialystok, E., 2012. Bilingual effects on cognitive and linguistic development:
Role of language, cultural background, and education. Child development. 83(2).
pp.413-422.
Davis, E. P. and Sandman, C. A., 2010. The timing of prenatal exposure to maternal cortisol and
psychosocial stress is associated with human infant cognitive development. Child
development. 81(1). pp.131-148.
Shonkoff, J. P., 2010. Building a new biodevelopmental framework to guide the future of early
childhood policy. Child development. 81(1). pp.357-367.
Online
Factors Affecting Early Childhood Development. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.livestrong.com/article/217996-factors-affecting-early-child-development/>.
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