This course will investigate motor skill development for children ages birth to 3. Learners will study the basics of the sensory system and become acquainted with three lesser-known senses and ways children may move to satisfy the cravings of these senses in order to be settled and focused. It will review typical infant-toddler actions like mouthing, carrying, dumping, and climbing that contribute to cognitive growth and brain development, including executive function. Learners will also identify a variety of play schemas typical of the birth-to-3 age range and describe how those schemas provide clues to internal ideas a child is pursuing. And finally, it will explore caregiver responses that support a child’s physical and cognitive development through robust, developmentally appropriate fine and gross motor movements and play opportunities. (2 hours)
An infant is crawling up a sloped ramp toward a caregiver who is holding up a toy.
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Objectives
- Describe motor skill and cognitive development expectations informed by current research on cultural and individual variations.
- List ways to satisfy proprioceptive and vestibular system cravings that young children may have.
- Consider learning plan and environment strategies that support the motor skill and cognitive development of the infants, toddlers, and twos currently in care.
