Developmentally Appropriate Care of Children in Different Cultures

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Developmentally Appropriate Care of Children in Different Cultures Introduction How does a different culture take part in the care of children? Different backgrounds and experiences help shape the way a child’s mind develops. Depending on the types of activities children are encouraged or discouraged from engaging in and the values and beliefs of the particular cultural group will determine the child’s development. Each country, including those in remote areas, have their own ideas about what is the normal development of children and the standards from one culture to another depends on that country and may not be valued the same. “Culture is the framework that guides and bounds life practices” (Stoecklin, 1999) Cultural Understanding It has been proven that before age five, cultural understanding is established. The child’s physical environment is focused around the culture (any group that has a shared set of values, beliefs, practices, access to resources, social institutions, a sense of identity, and that pass on these values and traditions to the next generation) in which they live and this has a profound effect on the on behavior and how we develop mentally. Culture is not something taught yet almost every experience has a cultural component that is absorbed. (Stoecklin, 1999) All cultural groups aspire to help their children succeed as members of the communities and as such provide experiences that will allow them to solve the important developmental tasks that they will face. Developmental Appropriateness The recognition of the importance of a child’s early years has increased significantly, and along with it an awareness of the need for a healthy care environment for children that nurtures development and growth. (Brotherson, 2009) Some important criteria’s to take into consideration are age and individual appropriateness. The
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