Physical Development & Health

San Luis Valley Early Head Start School Readiness Goals:
Goal 1: Children will develop control of large muscles for movement, navigation, and balance.

Expectant Families will receive information regarding early development and the importance of encouraging babies to move rather than be confined to infant seats. Information that describes the difference between gross-motor and fine-motor will be discussed.

For Young Infants, this includes raising the head and body against gravity; balancing during sitting and crawling; practicing many movements with “body babbling” (apparently random movement that develops into purposeful action); and rolling, rocking, and crawling to move from place to place. Staff will provide open carpeted space for infants to lay uninhibited and for learning to roll and crawl. Infants will not be confined to infant seats for long periods of time. Staff will provide objects for infants to reach for and grasp such as rattles, soft toys, squeak toys, and other noise-making objects, cuddly toys, teething toys, mobiles, unbreakable mirrors, bright objects, and items that will stimulate them to move and grasp. Infants will be allowed to move about freely, play with and explore the environment.

For Older Infants, this includes moving in a variety of ways, such as cruising, walking, and toddling; and climbing and moving from one position to another while maintaining balance and coordinating body movements. Staff will provide low sturdy furniture for child to pull themselves up or hold onto while walking and gross motor equipment (e.g. slides, tunnels). Staff will provide outdoor activities for children that will include opportunities to climb, roll, jump, push buggies or ride appropriately sized scooters, and in general move quickly while maintaining their balance. Children will be allowed to move about freely, play with and explore the environment. Staff will provide opportunities where children can improve their physical movement skills through practice. Staff will provide opportunities where children can participate in vigorous, sustained physical activity to develop strength and stamina. Music and dancing are included in this goal.

For Toddlers, this includes moving with more confidence and coordinating body movements for a purpose. Staff will provide outdoor activities for children where open space for running, jumping, crawling and walking are encouraged. In classrooms caregivers will provide low sturdy furniture for children to pull themselves up, or hold on to while walking, and climbers to encourage gross-motor development. Children are allowed to move about freely, play with, and explore the environment. Staff will provide opportunities where children can improve their physical movement skills through practice. Staff will provide opportunities where children can participate in vigorous, sustained physical activity to develop strength and stamina. Staff will facilitate activities which develop children’s abilities to jump, run, balance, climb, walk, skip, gallop, and slide, using a variety of outdoor equipment. Staff will facilitate activities which develop children’s ability to throw, catch, and kick balls. Music and dancing are included in this goal.

Goal 2: Children will develop control of small muscles for manipulation and exploration.

Expectant Families will receive information regarding early development and the importance of encouraging babies to reach and grasp for objects such as rattles and teething toys. Information that describes the difference between fine-motor and gross-motor will be discussed.

For Young Infants, this includes shaking objects; reaching, holding, and transferring objects from hand to hand; picking up and releasing objects; and sitting and using hands.

For Older Infants, this includes using hands to play with toys and tools and coordinating hand and body movements. Staff will provide objects for children to reach for and grasp such as stackers, blocks, cars,Cheerios, or small pieces of food. Teachers encourage fine motor skills through finger plays, and allowing children to eat with child sized utensils.

For Toddlers, this includes using markers; building with blocks; brushing teeth (with adult help); dressing dolls; and putting a four piece puzzle together. Children will be encouraged to use their fine-motor skills with a variety of objects when assembling, tracing, cutting, using utensils, sewing, lacing, and buttoning. Children use manipulative materials such as door knobs, pencils, markers, and clothespins to develop dexterity. Teachers encourage fine motor skills through finger plays, and allowing children to eat with child sized utensils.

Goal 3: Infants and toddlers will learn and begin to demonstrate healthy and safe habits.

Expectant families will receive information regarding early development and good nutrition, safety awareness, health practices such as washing hands, brushing teeth, getting regular exercise and enough rest. They will be presented information about visiting doctors and dentists for regular check-ups for their child. They will receive information regarding SIDS.

For Young Infants, the responsibility belongs to parents and other caretaking adults. Caregivers will discuss the importance of eating nutritious foods and safe activities during daily routines with children. Teachers will encourage health practices such as washing hands, rubbing gums before tooth eruptions, getting regular exercise and enough rest. They will present parents with information about visiting doctors and dentists with children, and sharing the importance of using cups at an early age to prevent bottle mouth.

For Older Infants, this may include anticipating washing hands before and after eating and brushing teeth, and toileting. Staff will encourage and demonstrate sound health, safety and nutritional practices. Nutritious meals will be cooked and served using a variety of foods. Teachers will discuss good nutrition with children and families, and healthy choices. They will provide activities to develop safety awareness in the center, school, home, and/or community. Healthy activities in the classrooms will include washing hands, brushing teeth, and learning about getting regular exercise and enough rest. Children will learn about visiting doctors and dentists in order to be healthy. Staff will present parents with information about visiting doctors and dentists with children.

For Toddlers, this includes dressing and undressing themselves; brushing their teeth; washing hands independently; getting a tissue for a runny nose; drinking from an open cup; learning to use the toilet; choosing a food to eat when given several nutritious choices; and trying new foods when offered. Staff will encourage and demonstrate sound health, safety and nutritional practices. They will cook and serve a variety of nutritious foods. Teachers will discuss good nutrition with children and families. They will provide activities to develop safety awareness in the center, school, home, and/or community. Caregivers will encourage health practices such as washing hands, brushing teeth, gettingregular exercise and enough rest. Lessons will include information about visiting doctors and dentists. Staff will present parents with information about visiting doctors and dentists with children.

Sources: Office of Head Start National Resource Center; Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold; Early Childhood Council, Early Head Start of the San Luis Valley School Readiness Goals; Colorado Department of Education, Quality Standards for Early Childhood Care and Education Services