This competency area addresses the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that early childhood educators are expected to have regarding the development and learning of young children — and which in many ways provide the foundation for sensitive, responsive caregiving and high-quality early childhood practice. This competency area encompasses an understanding of major developmental theories and current research, as well as the ability to apply that knowledge to practice; the implications of early experiences and brain development; the role of early childhood educators and family members in supporting young children's development and learning; and the biological, individual, family, community, and cultural factors that can influence young children's development (California Department of Education 2006; 2008a; 2008b; 2010). Key concepts include the interrelatedness of developmental domains, the significance of relationships in supporting children's healthy development and learning, the sequential nature and individual variability of early childhood development, and the role of play as a key context for development and learning.
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Framing questions identify some of the major themes in this competency. They provide you with a starting point. As you explore this competency, add your own framing questions for issues you want to further examine.
Keep these dispositions in mind as you explore the Framing Questions. If you mindfully adopt these dispositions, you will realize the Desired Outcomes for Practitioners and for Children.
The CompSAT Keys to Reflection and Inquiry offer you a protocol to use in whatever setting you work as an early childhood educator. Learn how you can integrate the six Keys into your work. Select one of the Keys below to practice reflecting with questions related to the competency area of Child Development and Learning.
Choose from one of the Keys below to view additional information related to this Competency!
"A Story Unfolds" is an example of how one practitioner documented her growth using Presentation software. As you explore this segment, notice how she used a consistent background to frame her work, almost like a window into her experience. Notice also, that she uses the CompSAT Keys to Reflection and Inquiry to examine her perceptions and to take action to further her understanding and growth.
© Copyright 2011-2013 California Department of Education. All rights reserved. Electronic edition 2011, and 2013. Print edition 2012 ISBN:978-0-8011-1719-0. The ECE CompSAT project was produced by Fresno State University for the California Department of Education in 2013.
