The most critical period of child development is the age of 0-6. The 0-6 age period is the most important years for the development of the individual. Especially the first 4 years are very important. This age range is a period in which the child's brain development is largely completed, basic habits are determined, and the foundations of personality traits are laid.
The period between the ages of 0-3 is the absorbent mind period in which children unconsciously absorb everything around them like a sponge. Children absorb whatever they are exposed to. Between the ages of 3 and 6, they make conscious what they have learned unconsciously. Between the ages of 0 and 6, neurons in children's brains move very quickly. Being exposed to many stimuli and experiencing different experiences positively affects their brain development. When experiential experiences are added to innate hereditary characteristics, the development of the brain progresses in a positive direction.
The foundations of vital characteristics such as self-confidence, trust in the world, basic social skills, entrepreneurship, the power and desire to express oneself are laid at this age. Due to the importance of the child's early development years, families should be especially careful about their approach during this period.
In our country, AGTE and Denver screening tests are widely used to evaluate children between the ages of 0-6 from a developmental perspective. Early diagnosis is of great importance for a healthy development. Developmental tests are also used to reveal the strengths of normally or rapidly developing children and to identify areas that need support.
How is Development Followed?
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Development At the first follow-up meeting, the child's development evaluation is made. In this evaluation, developmental screening tests are used.
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The child's development; It is evaluated according to areas such as language-cognitive, fine motor, gross motor, social skills, self-care and general development.
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According to the results of the development test, the development characteristics of the child according to the current month. It is explained to the parents. Information is given about what skills he/she will gain in this month and what behaviors or behavioral problems he/she will have.
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Suggestions for games and toys suitable for the development of the month are made.
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Activity suggestions are given to parents that they can implement at home to support their development areas.
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How effective parent-child communication should be, what and how to react in problem situations. Relevant information is given.
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Questions related to the problems experienced by the parents are answered.
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Information about how the process will be processed according to the results of the child's development test. is given.
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If the developmental test result is appropriate for the month and age, activity suggestions are made to the family.
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Delay or retardation in development. Programs are prepared for children with symptoms and high-risk children. Sessions are held with the child to support his development, and the family is given suggestions for activities that can be done at home.
To follow the development of the child, to recognize the developmental stage the child is in, to understand the stages of these stages. Knowing the characteristics of the child and treating the child accordingly will benefit parents in terms of monitoring whether the child is in healthy development, making early diagnosis and intervention, and establishing healthy communication with the child.
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