Unit 4: Infancy (Birth-2 Years) Assignment
PS220: Child and Adolescent Psychology
December 2, 2013
Unit 4: Infancy (Birth-2 Years) Assignment
Early childhood experience, especially in the first three to four years of a child’s life, is very important and crucial time for development. Different things factor in on the development of a child’s brain, promoting or discouraging the ability to continue on a learning path from adolescence on through adulthood. Having influences that are positive, along with a safe and healthy environment is essential for the well-being and development of children. These settings, introduced early on, can also help prevent behavioral and cognitive issues as a child grows.
John and Sue need to return to work and are struggling with making a decision which facilities to choose from for Tyree, their 8 month-old daughter. They took several tours of different infant-toddler daycare facilities, finally narrowing it down to two and need to make a choice between them. Both facilities meet all the state’s licensing requirements and are clean and safe. Yet, one center (Center A) offers teachers who are always talking to the infants throughout the day, even during feeding times and diaper changes. An environment such as this will promote security attachment for Tyree’s developmental needs, along with helping to mature her personality as she is growing. Psychological, physical and social growth is influenced substantially with these positive influence in early care of a child. In establishing trust early on, Tyree will feel safe in her surroundings. This security is also offered through teachers available to hold and cuddle the babies often. In the first stage of Eric Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development, a child is completely dependent on the caregiver, this is where the development of Trust vs. Mistrust comes into play, usually occurring between birth and one year of age. If care is inconsistent or emotionally lacking...