Childcare

2. Child and young person development

This core area covers the physical, intellectual, linguistic, social and
emotional growth and development of babies, children and young people.

It is difficult to determine specific times when developmental changes
occur, as these will differ from person to person. What is important is a
basic understanding of those changes and how they can affect a baby,

child or young person’s behavior. Parents and carers may be well
Placed to identify developmental and behavioural changes in their
Children but they may also find them difficult to cope with and seek
Reassurance, information, advice and support at various stages. It is
Therefore important that you have the ability to self-reflect and adjust
your own behavior appropriately.
■ Where you feel that further support is needed, know when to take action
yourself and when to refer to managers, supervisors or other relevant professionals.
■ Be able to distinguish between fact and opinion. Empathy and understanding
■ Demonstrate your commitment to reaching a shared understanding with a child, young person, parent or carer by talking and listening effectively; make sensitive judgements about what is being said and what is meant by what is being said.
■ Be able to support a child or young person to reach their own decisions
(while taking into account health and safety and child protection issues).
■ Encourage a child or young person to value their personal experiences
and knowledge.
■ Appreciate the impact of transitions on child development.

KNOWLEDGE
Understand context
■ Know and recognise the child or young person’s position in a family or caring network, as well as a wider social context, and appreciate the diversity of these networks.
■ Understand and take account of the effects of different parenting
approaches, backgrounds and routines.
■ Know and recognise that for some children and young people, delayed or disordered development may stem from...