5 Supporting Growth Using Developmental Outcomes

Supporting Growth Using Developmental Outcomes

Children are unique individuals. Moreover, their development is a unique, complex process. It is composed of a combination of individual genetic traits as well as external experiences. Therefore, the pace of development varies from child to child. Individual differences that influence development include children’s distinct temperaments, preferences, and ways of interpreting their world.

We want all children to be active and successful in their interactions at home, daycare, school, and community environments. Children encounter many different people, sensory inputs, and situations in their daily lives. Some children are better able to interpret these interactions than others. Children with developmental delays or challenges may need extra support to help them learn how to interpret and respond to people they meet or activities they participate in throughout their lives.

The Early Childhood Outcomes Center has established three general outcomes that individuals working with children (parent/caregivers, families, childcare providers, social workers, etc) should support in all children’s growth that will help ensure their success. Progress on these outcomes helps equip young children to take the next step in development.

The three outcomes are:[7]

1. Children have positive social relationships.

2. Children acquire and use knowledge and skills.

3. Children take action to meet their needs.

The video below outlines each of the outcomes and explains what it means in terms of development when children achieve them. It also details the importance of helping children build skills to achieve these outcomes.

Video 1: “Child Outcomes Step By Step”[8]

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