Early Childhood: Age 2 to 6 Biosocial Development

How does a preschool childs body change?Early Childhood: Age 2 to 6 Biosocial Development

What happens when children grow?Body slims down taller & thinnerCenter of gravity lowersEnables swinging, gymnastics, etc.

2 years old6 years oldHow does nutrition effect children?Overweight children= overweight adultsDiabetesHeart disease

How do cavities & gum disease effect children?Early tooth decay = most common disease in young children in developed countriesHarms permanent teethJaw malformation, speechOverall health

Do you remember?What body changes do children go through from 2 6 years old?What is the effect of being overweight in young children?What is the effect of poor dental hygiene in young children?

What about brain development?

MyelinationMyelin coating of axonsSpeeds brain processingFocused on the motor and sensory areas

Corpus callosumConnects right and left hemispheresIncreases coordinationIncreases communication between both sides of the brainLateralizationEach side specializing

Left hemisphere controls right sideLeft is language & speechLeft is logicalDetailed analysisDetail focused

Right hemisphere controls left sideCreativeEmotionalBig picture focused

All thinking required both sides of the brain

Prefrontal cortexExecutive brainPlanning, analyzing, prioritizingImmaturity = Impulsiveness & tendency to persevere (keep repeating)E.g. Are we there yet?Longest period of developmentMatures during adolescence

Do you remember?What does myelination do?What does the corpus callosum do?What do the left and right hemispheres do?What does the prefrontal cortex do?

EmotionsBased on the limbic systemAmygdalaHippocampusHypothalamusAid in emotional expression and control

AmygdalaRegisters positive & negative emotionsRelated to night terrorsChildren model after parents

HippocampusMemoryCan work with amygdala to recall emotions

HypothalamusProduces hormones to activate parts of the body in response to signals from the amygdala and hippocampus.E.g. stress and the fight or flight syndrome

Motor skillsGrossLarge musclesE.g. riding a bike, swinging, kicking a ballFineSmall musclesWriting, drawing, pouring juiceGirls tend to develop 6 mos. Earlier than boys

Do you remember?What does the limbic system do?What produces emotions?What helps with memory?What helps you in fight or flight situations?What are gross and fine motor skills?

Injuries and abuse

Three levels of prevention for avoidable injuriesPrimary preventionPreventing a high risk situation from ever existingE.g. Sidewalks and overpassesSecondary preventionReducing the risk in an existing high risk situationSalt on roadsCrossing guardsTertiary preventionReducing damage after injuryEmergency room proceduresHEPA filters for children with asthma

What are the types of child maltreatment?Child abuseDeliberate physical, emotional, or sexual harmChild neglectFailure to meet physical or emotional needsLaw required reporting suspected maltreatment

AbuseNeglect

What are the symptoms of maltreatment?InjuriesFantasy play violence & sexualHostilityImpulsive reactionsE.g. CringingFear of caregiverHypervigilance

Do you remember?What are the three levels of prevention of childhood injuries?Give examples of eachWhich level pf prevention reduces injury after injury?What is the difference between child abuse and child neglect?Give examples of eachWhat symptoms would you look for in children you suspect of maltreatment?