Conducting Informal Developmental Assessments of Toddlers

Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/conducting-informal-developmental-assessments-of-toddlers/5020483/

“A positive learning climate in a school for young children is a composite of many things. It is an attitude that respects children. It is a place where children receive guidance and encouragement from the responsible adults around them. It is an environment where children can experiment and try out new ideas without fear of
failure. It is an atmosphere that builds children’s self-confidence so they dare to take risks. It is an environment that nurtures a love of learning.”
�" Carol B. Hillman

The transition from infancy to toddlerhood occurs after the youngster’s first year of life (12-24 months). This is a critical time in a child’s development. In this year, children develop critical thinking skills and begin making connections in the world around them. They demonstrate increased independence and view themselves as the center of their world. Language comes into play as toddlers begin using single- and multi-word phrases to express their wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas. Motor skills continue to develop as children begin to use both hands together in a coordinated manner, and are now able to take a few steps while maintaining their balance.

These are all milestones of a typically developing toddler. However, we must be aware ...