Toddler and Pre-school Growth & Development

Question 1

According to Erikson’s theory of development what stage is a toddler in? What are some defining characteristics of this stage?

Answer 1

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
Age 1-3

Achieves autonomy and self control
Separates from parent/caregiver
Withstands delayed gratification
Negativism abounds
Imitates adults and playmates
Spontaneously shows affection
Is increasingly enthusiastic about playmates
Cannot take turns in games until age 3 years

Question 2

According to Piaget’s theory of development what stage are toddlers in? What are some defining characteristics of this stage?

Answer 2

Sensorimotor
12-24 months
Preoperational
2-7 years

Differentiates self from objects
Increased object permanence
Uses ALL senses to explore environment
Places items in and out of containers
Imitates domestic chores
Imitation is more symbolic
Starting to think before acting
Understands requests and is capable of following simple directions
Has a sense of ownership (my, mine)
Time, space, and causality understanding is increasing
Uses mental trial and error rather than physical
Makes mechanical toys work
Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people
Increased use of language for mental representation
Understands concept of “two”
Starting to make connections between an experience in the past and a new one that is currently occuring
Sorts objects by shape and color
Completes puzzles with four pieces
Play becomes more complex

Question 3

According to Freud what stage are toddlers in? What are some defining characteristics?

Answer 3

Anal stage
1-3 years

Focus is on achieving anal sphincter control. Satisfaction and/or frustration may occur as the toddler learns to withhold and expel stool

Question 4

Toddler nutrition

Answer 4

Weaning from the bottle should occur by 12-15 months

Avoid hard to chew foods that may become lodged in airway: nuts, gumdrops, raw carrots, peanut butter, popcorn.
Cut hotdogs and grapes into quarters
Whole milk until 2 then 2% milk
“Grazers”

Question 5

Toddler communication/interaction

Answer 5

Begin to have expressive language
Short sentences with 50 word vocab
Imitate- repeat what others say (Echolalia)
Say no (negativism)
Ask “why” and “what”

Question 6

What gross motor milestone should toddler reach by 12-15 months?

Answer 6

Walks independently

Question 7

What gross motor milestone should toddler reach by 18 months?

Answer 7

Climbs stairs with assistance
Pulls toys while walking

Question 8

What gross motor milestone should toddler reach by 24 months (2 YO)?

Answer 8

Runs
Kicks ball
Can stand on tiptoe
Carries several toys or large toy while walking
Climbs onto and down from furniture without assistance

Question 9

What gross motor milestone should toddler reach by 36 months (3 YO)?

Answer 9

Climbs well
Pedals tricycle
Runs easily
Climbs up and down stairs with alternating feet
Bends over easily without falling

Question 10

What fine motor milestones should toddler reach by 12-15 months?

Answer 10

Feeds self- finger foods
Uses index finger to point

Question 11

What fine motor milestones should toddler reach by 18 months?

Answer 11

Masters reaching, grasping, and releasing: stacks blocks, puts things in slots
Turns book pages
Removes shoes and socks
Stacks four cubes

Question 12

What fine motor milestones should toddler reach by 24 months (2 YO)?

Answer 12

Stack 6-7 cubes
R or L handed
Imitates circular and vertical strokes
Scribbles and paints
Starting to turn knobs
Puts round peg in holes

Question 13

What fine motor milestones should toddler reach by 36 months (3 YO)?

Answer 13

Undresses self
Copies circle
Build tower 9-10 cubes
Holds a pencil in writing position
Screws/unscrews lids, nuts, bolts
Turns book one page at a time

Question 14

What type of play do toddlers engage in?

Answer 14

Parallel play

Question 15

Appropriate toys for toddlers

Question 16

What social and emotional developmental milestone should the toddler reach by 15 months?

Answer 16

Hugs parents
Points at things they want
May have a security object

Question 17

What social and emotional developmental milestone should the toddler reach by 18 months?

Answer 17

Looks at an adult if something new happens
May have temper tantrums
Begins to indicate when diapers are wet or soiled
Plays simple pretend games

Question 18

What social and emotional developmental milestone should the toddler reach by 24 months?

Answer 18

Imitates others
Likes to be with other children
Shows defiance
Shows more independence
Likes to talk about what is happening

Question 19

What social and emotional developmental milestone should the toddler reach by 36 months?

Answer 19

Eats independently
Begins to share
Separates easily from parents
Shows concern and affection

Question 20

Burns safety precautions with toddlers

Answer 20

Cook on back burners
Keep hot water heater no more than 120
Keep toddlers away from hot objects

Question 21

Falls safety precautions with toddlers

Answer 21

Do not allow children to climb on furniture
Supervise children when they are going up and down stairs
Supervise children when they are on playground equipment
Have gates at top and bottom of stairs
Have toddlers wear helmets

Question 22

Poisoning safety precautions with toddlers

Answer 22

Keep all cleaning products out of reach
Keep all medications out of reach
Have poison control number easily accessible
Keep plants off of floor
Keep alcohol and tobacco out of reach

Question 23

Choking safety precautions with toddlers

Answer 23

Avoid food that can cause choking: nuts, hard candies, hot dogs, whole grapes, marshmallows
Supervise children while eating
Cut food into small bites

Question 24

Drowning safety precautions with toddlers

Answer 24

Have fence around backyard pools
Have toilet seat locks
Supervise children around water

Question 25

Motor vehicle safety precautions with toddlers

Answer 25

Child should be in rear-facing seat with five-point harness until age of 2
Child must remain in forward facing, five point harness until age 4