Early Intervention

Many educators agree that early childhood is the most crucial time in a child’s physical, social-emotional, language, and cognitive development. Much controversy centers on the specific needs of young children, and whether technology can support those needs, or will take away from essential developmental experiences. Knowledge of children’s development and studies of children and technology use can guide understanding and inform decisions. Research shows that new interactive technologies, such as a SMARTboard, make it is easier to create environments in which students can learn by manipulating. Also, technology can help children visualize difficult ideas.

Young children have needs that are real and different from those of older children and adolescents. Children from birth to age eight are learning rapidly, using all of their senses and their entire bodies to take in sensations and experience the world around them. During this period of their lives they learn through their play and exploration across five essential developmental dimensions. These dimensions include: Social and Emotional Development. The ability to form and sustain relationships gives meaning to learning experiences. Responsive interactions provide a sense of well-being that enables children to form attachments with others and participate positively in educational activities. Language Development: Language empowers children to participate in both the cognitive and affective parts of the educational program. Experience with written and oral language provides children with the tools to interact with others, and to represent their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Physical Well-Being and Motor Development: A child’s health is connected to preparedness for and performance in learning activities. Healthy children are able to focus on and actively engage in experiences crucial to the learning process. Cognition and General Knowledge: Children need opportunities interact with the people and objects in...