Essay Sample on Growth: A Critical Period in Child Development

Introduction

Psychological experts argue that growth is continues and slow process. However, others say that growth is a biological process that involves genetic stages, and every one must pass through the same steps (Myers & DeWall, 2019). The steps start from childhood to adulthood. Most psychologists argue that childhood encounters are likely to affect adulthood behavior. The essay discusses developmental factors to consider when searching and the best daycare.

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Critical Period

The couple should consider four primary elements in their search for daycare. The first one is searching for the best environment for a critical period in child development. The critical period is vital in child development since it determines her future behavior. As a result, the first thing to consider is choosing a stimulating environment (Myers & DeWall, 2019). Since the stage influence cognitive and psychological development of a child, it is essential to consider the extent of interaction between caregivers and the child. According to the cognitive development theory of Piaget, critical period constructs a child's mental model. As a result, the caregivers have a vital role to play in shaping Samantha's mental model. Essential factors to consider include if the staff gets down to the floor to play with the kids and the extent to which they engage the children (Myers & DeWall, 2019). Secondly, the daycare should appropriate toys for each age group so that they can join the children with the right playing tools necessary for development in their critical period.

Child Cognition

Also, the couple must consider critical elements of the child's cognitive development stage. According to Piaget, a child undergoes four stages at cognitive development. The parents must evaluate how well the daycare has segmented its classes into these stages (Myers & DeWall, 2019). For example, Samantha belongs to sensorimotor stage. It influences the critical thinking of children through physical interactions. As a result, they must consider play games and tools that enhance critical thinking. A daycare that makes Samantha start thinking that they can make things happens through touch or exploring is the right on for the two-year-old (Myers & DeWall, 2019). The couple can assess this by identifying types of play tools that excite children. Other stages include pre-operational, concrete operational, and formal operational steps. The daycare should have appropriate milestones for each step.

Language Development

Thirdly, the best daycare should have the capacity to develop the child's language skills; the daycare should have the ability to support language development in children. Some psychologists argue that language is in-built and they have universal grammar. However-preschool children like Samantha can easily pick up a new style (Myers & DeWall, 2019). According to behavioral theory, an environment can quickly condition the style of a child. In this regard, the couple must consider the language the daycare uses, including the conditioned environment. Since the child responds to the environmental stimuli, the parents must consider choosing a daycare that offers the style they want best for their child.

Intelligence

Finally, the couple must consider how well the daycare is equipped to develop the intelligence of a child. Some psychologists argue that knowledge can be acquired or inherited. Therefore, the daycare environment should support intelligence development in the child (Myers & DeWall, 2019). According to Gardner's multiple intelligence theory, various intelligences, including mathematical aptitudes and verbal intelligences exist. Therefore, it is crucial to consider plays, physical exercises, and children blocks that enhance intelligence in the child.

Conclusion

Childhood experiences determine the behavior of individuals in adulthood. Biologically, individuals undergo various stages of development, including childhood, adolescent, and adulthood. When selecting a daycare for a two-year-old, the facility must have resources to support growth in the critical period, cognition, language by using various play tools and intelligence development. For example, the daycare must have a stimulating environment and multiple play tools, such as toys.

Reference

Myers, D & DeWall, N. (2019). Exploring Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers.