7 Development Domains

Physical Development

Children’s physical development is a maturational process determined by children’s genetic biology.[10] While all children attain developmental milestones in a predictable sequence of stages, the rate at which children go through these stages varies. Additionally, development occurs in a cephalocaudal direction (from head to toe) and proximaldistal direction (from the center of the body to fingers and toes). For example, children generally roll over before they sit-up, and crawl before they walk. The normal age at which children begin to walk can range from as early as 9 months to as late as 18 months.

Children restricted from movement, such as spending large amounts of time in a crib, playpen, or walker, are likely to develop gross motor skills later than children who have freedom to crawl, pull-up to stand, and ultimately walk. Likewise, infants given a spoon at an early age and encouraged to feed themselves will eat independently at an earlier age than infants who are not provided opportunities for self-feeding. Similarly, preschool-aged children who lack experiences to use writing tools or scissors are more likely to be delayed in writing when they enter kindergarten.

Cognitive Development

Two of the most influential developmental theorists that explain cognitive development in young children are Jean Piaget (1952) and Lev Vygotsky (1978). A central belief of Piaget was that children construct knowledge through their own actions;[11] Vygotsky concluded that cognitive development is influenced by children’s social, cultural, and environmental surroundings.[12] A core concept related to both theories is the importance of children’s access to developmentally appropriate and supportive experiences. If young children lack environments or materials to exercise their curiosity, thinking, and problem solving, and/or do not have adults or capable peers to support their learning, cognitive development may suffer. This may cause developmental delays. When observing the environments in which young children are placed, it is important to note the presence or absence of age appropriate and developmentally stimulating materials, environments, and adult support.

Language Development

Language is differentiated by the ability to understand what is said (receptive language) and the ability to use language either through writing or speaking (expressive language). Language development emerges in stages. Just as physical and cognitive development occurs in a predictable sequence, so does language.

Infants first communicate their needs through crying, followed by cooing, babbling, jargon, and finally words. Attentive and responsive parent/caregiver’s can differentiate their infant’s cries during the first few weeks: behaviors that strengthen parent/caregiver – child bonding and attachment.[13]

Social-Emotional Developmental

Social-emotional development refers to children’s capacity to form close and secure adult and peer relationships. Social-emotional development includes how children experience, regulate, and express emotions in socially and culturally appropriate ways. It dictates their ability and comfort level to explore new environments and learn in different contexts. This domain also provides the foundation for advanced thinking, problem solving, and coping. This domain is particularly important because as children master social emotional milestones, growth in other domains begins to unfold.

According to Stanley Greenspan, children must master six essential social-emotional milestones for healthy social and intellectual development.[14] The age of the child, the goals of each milestone, and the role of the parent/caregiver all interact and work to support the other. Quality, developmentally appropriate activities, and interactions provided by parent/caregivers enable children to reach these goals. Loving, nurturing relationships strengthen and promote children’s neurological development, ultimately building a foundation of skills and processes in children’s minds that further enhances healthy growth.

See Module 1, Handout 1: Social-Emotional Developmental Milestones

at the end of the Module or by clicking here.

Young children’s physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development is highly affected by their own biological maturation. More importantly, it is impacted by the quality of experiences and the availability of nurturing, responsive parent/caregivers.

CASAs should be able to determine the extent to which young children’s environments and relationships support or impede development, and identify and recommend referrals to resources that can provide the needed support or intervention.

See Module 1, Handout 2: Developmental Milestones Chart at the end of the Module or by clicking here.

For information on Immunization Checklist check under

“Early Childhood Development” in Readings and Resources.

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