The C.H.I.L.D. Protocol™ areas of development are deeply rooted in developmental neuropsychology and a comprehensive understanding of brain development and its superior functions.
The theoretical areas addressed in this chart include neurophysiology, sensory perception, psychomotor, communication, cognitive, and socioemotional development. By integrating age-appropriate typical and expected developmental milestones, the areas of development chart provide a nuanced approach to understanding and evaluating a child’s progression in these critical domains.
Each developmental area is meticulously considered to encompass the diverse aspects of a child’s evolving capabilities. The inclusion of neurophysiology acknowledges the foundational role of the nervous system in shaping a child’s overall development. Sensory perception explores how a child processes and interprets sensory information crucial for their interaction with the environment. Psychomotricity addresses the integration of motor skills and cognitive processes, while communication digs into the complex journey of language comprehension and expression, non-verbal and verbal expression. Cognition captures the thoughts, understanding, intellect, awareness, and socio-emotional development and reflects the intricate interplay between a child’s emotions and social interactions.
The list of areas of development is constructed with an awareness that specific milestones may manifest across multiple domains. For example, a child’s ability to grasp and manipulate objects not only contributes to psychomotricity but also involves sensory perception and cognitive processing. Similarly, a child’s first words mark milestones in both communication and cognition.
To establish criteria for considering a specific area, the C.H.I.L.D. Protocol™ emphasizes the sequence of significate signals. These signals represent observable indicators that denote the acquisition of a particular ability and competence within a designated age range. The chart organizes acquisitions in predetermined areas, facilitating a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of a child’s development. For instance, within the communication domain, the emergence of joint attention and babbling might signify not only language development but also cognitive growth. In psychomotricity, achieving milestones like crawling and standing may not only pertain to motor skills but also indicate cognitive and perceptual advancements.
This chart aligns with the continuum of development and expresses the interconnected nature of various domains while emphasizing the importance of sequential, meaningful signals in assessing a child’s abilities and competencies.
Download the Areas of Development Considered Chart PDF document below for detailed information.