Title: Describe developmentally appropriate behavior for a child at each stage of development.
Course: Child Development and Parenting (19255-36)

Description should include

- identifying behaviors as developmentally appropriate or inappropriate for each stage
- identifying ways to encourage appropriate behavior at each stage.

Description should also include developmentally appropriate strategies at each stage for

- understanding reasons for a child’s behavior
- communicating effectively
- modeling behaviors or expectations (i.e., role playing)
- setting limits and establishing rules
- using positive reinforcement
- alternates to timeout (e.g., safe space, emotional regulation, ignoring certain behaviors) redirecting a child’s attention
- determining and using natural and logical consequences
- avoiding coercive behavior (e.g., corporal punishment)
- making accommodations for a child with varying needs.

Teacher Resource:

Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards, VDOE

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What developmental expectations should parents have of their children’s behavior at different stages?
- Why are developmentally appropriate behavioral expectations an essential part of parenting?
- What happens when parents have inappropriate behavioral expectations of children? How might children respond?
- Where do caregivers acquire behavioral expectations of children?
- How might guidance and discipline strategies need to be adapted for children with special needs?

Communication

- What responses might a parent have to a child's attempt at a new task if the parents have developmentally appropriate expectations? Inappropriate expectations?
- What happens when parents try to use adult language and reasoning with young children?
- How can caregivers develop communication skills with children at various developmental stages?

Leadership

- What expectations do you think your parents have of you? What do you do to live up to these expectations?
- What leadership skills can preschoolers learn? What can parents do to help children develop leadership skills?

Management

- What information do parents need to set developmentally appropriate limits for children?
- What are some reliable sources of information for setting developmentally appropriate expectations?
- What self-regulation skills can young children learn? How can parents help children learn these skills? How can teachers help?