Understand Children and Young Person development
There are many factors that influence child development, and for most of them, we do have some control. When working with children and young people it is important to have a good understanding of what children need to grow, so as professionals we are better able to address the needs. A child’s environment, for example, their family or school play a huge part in their development. Some of the main factors that influence a child’s development are their family, where the child lives, and socio-economic status. These factors often cross over and blend as they are related.
Abraham Maslow (1908-70) developed a humanistic approach to create a theory of human needs which is relevant to all ages, not just for children. He described five levels of need- physical, safety, social, self-esteem, creativity – and proposed that each level must be met before progressing to the next level. It is difficult to reach one’s full potential unless the lower level needs have been met. Meggit (2011) Below shows Maslow’s hierarchy of need’s.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Meggit, 2011, pp. 78).
Looking from a Maslow perspective if a child or young person’s needs are not met for example, on the lower end not fed and given proper warmth and shelter they will be unable to move up the pyramid.
Personal Health If children suffer from poor health or a physical disability or impairment, this may restrict their developmental opportunities. For example, a child who has a medical condition or impairment may be less able to participate in some activities then other children. This may initially affect physical development but may also restrict social activities, for example on the playground. The child’s emotional development may also be affected, depending on their awareness of their needs and the extent to which they are affected. It is important that adults in school are aware of
References: Macleod-Brudenell,I,Kay J (2008). Avanced Early Years. 2nd ed. London: Heinemann. p143. Macleod-Brudenell,I,Kay J (2008). Avanced Early Years. 2nd ed. London: Heinemann. p144. Macleod-Brudenell,I,Kay J (2008). Avanced Early Years. 2nd ed. London: Heinemann. p144, table. Macleod-Brudenell,I,Kay J (2008). Avanced Early Years. 2nd ed. London: Heinemann. p145, table. Meggitt, C. Kamen, T. Bruce, T. Grenier, J (2011). Children and Young People 's Workforce. London: Dynamic Learning. p76. Meggitt, C. Kamen, T. Bruce, T. Grenier, J (2011). Children and Young People 's Workforce. London: Dynamic Learning. p77, diagram. Tassoni,P. Bulman,K. Beith,K.(2008). Children’sCare, Learning & Development. 2nd ed. London: Heinemann, pp. 135, table. Tassoni,P. Bulman,K. Beith,K.(2008). Children’sCare, Learning & Development. 2nd ed. London: Heinemann, pp. 137, table.