Question

Why is it important for child-care providers to understand child development?

Answer 1

Many folks who make use of child care expect the provider to provide ample opportunities for physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth, as well as the opportunites to learn skills and explore environments in a mostly-safe manner. A child care provider cannot make available appropriate opportunities and environments if they are unaware of how the children in their care develop. Environments and expectations appropriate to a child in one stage of development can be completely inappropriate for a child in another stage of development.