What contextual factors should be considered when evaluating his development and why?

Evaluating Development

You should now have a working knowledge of normal patterns of development in each of the four areas for children under the age of 36 months. To test your understanding of information in Chapters 2 and 3, decide if Marcus is advanced, behind, or at age level in the following evaluation summary. Marcus, who is 24 months old, is in child care from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., five days a week. He lives with his mother and grandfather in a three-bedroom duplex. An evaluation of his development in each of the four major areas revealed the following observations: Physical Factors. Marcus is 34 inches tall, weighs 35 pounds, has 20/20 vision, and can focus and track across a line of letters fluidly. He has all 20 baby teeth, can stand on one foot and hop, and is interested in toilet learning. He can throw a ball with each hand and use a fork to eat. Emotional Factors. Marcus clings to his caregiver during drop-off and shows anxiety at the presence of strangers. He is compliant and follows directions when he feels secure, but he can whine when he needs more individual attention. He has difficulty understanding his feelings or soothing himself. When not involved with his caregiver or other children, Marcus tends to wander around the room. Social Factors. Marcus has some difficulty determining what things are his, and he cooperates with other children when he has the full attention of his caregiver. He is easily emotionally hurt by other children and does not defend himself when they take a toy he was playing with. He frequently focuses on his own needs and has difficulty reading the feelings of other children. Although his language skills are sufficient, Marcus often screams rather than uses words when his peers bother him. Cognitive Factors. When he feels secure, Marcus is curious, explores his environment, and gains a lot of physical knowledge. Although he has some difficulty interacting with peers, he participates in active, creative pretend play and exhibits a logical sequence in the stories he makes up. He uses double substitution in play and understands four- and five-direction sequences.

1. Use the Developmental Milestones provided in Appendix A to determine if you think Marcus is advanced for his age level, at age level, or below age level for each area of development. Explain how you drew each conclusion.

2. What contextual factors should be considered when evaluating his development and why?

3. In which of the four areas is it most difficult for you to make an assessment of Marcus? What additional information do you need? Why?

Swim, Terri Jo. Infants, Toddlers, and Caregivers: Caregiving and Responsive Curriculum Development (p. 82). Cengage Learning. Kindle Edition.

Swim, Terri Jo. Infants, Toddlers, and Caregivers: Caregiving and Responsive Curriculum Development (p. 81). Cengage Learning. Kindle Edition.

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