Child Development - in the Early Years (Pre school)

The current situation

Educational Psychologists, specialising in child development pre school and in the Early Years have observed that children, whether or not having received a nursery education, on entry to Reception have not reached the expected developmental milestones. They believe that this is due mainly to parents not engaging with their children in pre school activities and just letting them entertain themselves with computer games.

In Reception

The Educational Psychological Service in one County have designed a series of activities aimed at child development for children on entry to Reception and implemented them with the result that at the end of the first term, the vast majority of children now reach the expected standard. It would, however be better if the children could develop their skills before entering Reception - for instance through nursery education during the early years foundation stage.

Another Solution

If children could learn whilst pre school and acquire the skills needed through pre school activities then they would not have to go through the motor Programme in the first term. Realising this, an Educational Psychologist has produced a Child Development Programme for pre school children to encourage their early learning in pre-school settings. This programme, designed for children in the Foundation Stage ( aged 3-5) concentrates on developing key skills in literacy, numeracy, motor skills and information processing.  Pre school children can use the Programme at home as well as benefit from nursery education, or Sure Start centers. They enjoy the preschool activities and the programme has the advantage over educational toys in that more than one facet of their early learning takes place.

For more information on child development and how the Programme can help click here.