Physical Development
Autonomy
Being able to do more to meet one’s own needs
Parallel play
Play that a child engages in independently but in close proximity to another child of similar age
Mandatory reporters
Childcare employees or other professionals who are required to report suspected child abuse based on what they see and hear
Receptive communication
Listening and comprehending
Night Terror
A harmless—though sometimes extremely fitful—waking episode that often involves crying, shouting, and moving about the bed or room
Independent play
Play that a child engages in alone with objects within sight or reach while showing little concern for what other children are doing
Cerebrum
The largest part of the brain that contains many different lobes
Circadian System
A 24-hour cycle of physical, mental, and behavioral changes related to days and nights
Cooperative play
Play that demonstrates the ability to interact intentionally and solely for entertainment
Guided instruction
Instruction in which caregivers help children practice targeted skills that will help them as they mature by modeling, providing examples, and offering guidance through step-by-step processes
Broca’s area
The region of the brain where newly understood ideas can be turned into spoken words
Righting
Bringing the head and torso back to the body’s midline while moving to avoid falling
Temporal lobes
Regions of the brain at the frontal sides of the cerebrum where language forms and understanding of language takes place