WHAT IS IT ?
What Are the Developmental Needs of School-Age Children? is a site providing a summary of the developmental needs for three school-age stages (e.g. transition years, middle years, and pre/early adolescence). It also describes the implications for programs working with children in these ages. The information leads to the conclusion that it is important for programs to be aware of two dimensions in their planning and services: age appropriateness and individual appropriateness.
HOW DO YOU USE IT ?
Use this site to determine what your child needs at a certain age (i.e. what is most helpful to your child for successful learning at a particular age). It does not provide specific program structure. It provides descriptions and characteristics of programs that are appropriate. It does not address the high school ages.
WHEN DO YOU USE IT?
Use this site prior to school visits or school conferences when trying to determine if your child's school is providing appropriate opportunities related to your child's developmental stage. You may also use this as information in problem-solving a situation that has occurred with your child in the school setting.
WHY DO YOU USE IT?
This site provides the data to support your observations and suggestions regarding your child's needs and school experience. Often parents are perceived as less knowledgeable of children's needs than professional school staff.
WHO DO YOU INVOLVE?
This information is helpful when working with administrators and teachers as well as when requesting support/funding for new programs in your child's school
ACTIVITY
- Based on your child's developmental stage, prepare a list of questions you can ask the teacher about how each area is being addressed by your child's school experience.
- Observe your child's behavior and interactions for one week identifying the developmental needs you recognize in your child.
COLLABORATION
ADMINSTRATORS: An administrator this information to assess and plan with parents the most effective programs for their child.
CREDIBILITY
This site is developed by the School's Out Alliance, a group formed from a conference originally sponsored by Corporation for National Service and the Child Care Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was subsequently funded by Corporation for National Service.