IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

INTRODUCTION

• Early childhood extends from 2-6 years.CHARACTERISTICS ARE: Likes to imitate people and their behavior Is very active and shows lots of curiosity Needs approval of the parents, encouragement and patience

WHY EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT IMPORTANT

• Because it’s important to children now and in their future.• Supporting optimal early childhood development greatly

increases children’s chances of: a successful transition to school developing strong language and learning skills better education, employment and health after school

IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD YEARS

It is the foundation for later period development. Early experiences have a significant impact on their physical, behavioural and social development throughout the life course

Early childhood is the period of maximum learning. Children learn quickly when they feel loved and secure and when they play and interact with family members and other people close to them.

Children who feel secure and loved usually do better in school, are more self-confident, have good self-esteem and

are able to cope more easily with life's challenges.

Encouraging children to play and explore helps them learn and develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. This helps children get ready for school.

Children learn how to behave (socially and emotionally) by imitating the behaviour of those closest to them.

The examples set by adults, older siblings and children are the most powerful influences shaping a child's behaviour and personality.

BRAIN DEVELOPMENT DURING EARLY CHILDHOOD

• The years between zero to six are a critical period in a child's development. During this time, children are being exposed to new experiences and exploring their world, which promotes brain development.

• Children are also beginning to socialize with others, and learn skills that will last a lifetime.

• The preschool years are the time in which the brain begins to maximize efficiency by determining which connections to keep and which to eliminate.

• Environments that are chaotic, disorderly or highly stressful have a direct negative influence on the development.

ROLE OF PARENTS Early childhood should be a happy period in life. The role of

parents in making a child happy:

• A healthy child has the potential for happiness. Careful attention to his diet, rest, and play is essential.

• A child need constant reassurance of being loved in order to be happy. Parents must show affection for the young child by an interest in his activities like in his studys and pride in his achievement.

The most important factor is an atmosphere of happiness at home at all times.If the atmoshphere at home is happy,the child will be able to overcome temporary unhappiness without distorting his outlook on life and continue to be happy.