• Child development is the process by which a child grows physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially from birth to adolescence.


• It involves changes in body, mind, behaviour, and skills over time.


• Example: Learning to walk, talk, dress independently, or interact with other children.


• Child care refers to the care given to children to ensure proper growth, safety, health, and education.

1. Infancy (0–1 year)


• Rapid growth in height and weight.


• Learns to crawl, stand, and walk.


• Recognizes parents and responds to emotions.


• Develops basic speech sounds (babbling).


2. Toddlerhood (1–3 years)


• Improved coordination, running, climbing.


• Vocabulary and language skills grow.


• Shows independence and curiosity.


• Begins social interaction with other children.


3. Preschool Age (3–5 years)


• Refines motor skills (drawing, building).


• Can follow simple instructions and understand rules.


• Develops imagination and engages in pretend play.


• Learns basic social skills like sharing and cooperation.


4. School Age (6–12 years)


• Physical growth slows, coordination improves.


• Learns reading, writing, and problem-solving skills.


• Develops friendships, teamwork abilities.


• Understands moral values, rules, and discipline.


5. Adolescence (12–18 years)


• Rapid growth spurt and sexual maturation.


• Develops abstract thinking and reasoning skills.


• Establishes identity and independence.


• Forms stronger peer relationships and self-awareness.

1. Physical Development – Growth of the body, muscles, coordination, motor skills.


2. Intellectual / Cognitive Development – Thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding concepts.


3. Emotional Development – Expressing and controlling feelings such as happiness, anger, fear, love.


4. Social Development – Interacting with others, sharing, cooperating, forming relationships.

1. Heredity / Genetics – Traits inherited from parents (eye colour, height, intelligence).


2. Nutrition – Proper food supports growth; malnutrition can delay development.


3. Health Care – Immunizations, treatment of illness, regular check-ups.


4. Environment – Safe, stimulating, and clean surroundings encourage development.


5. Parental Care – Love, attention, guidance promote confidence and social skills.


6. Education and Play – Learning experiences and play develop cognitive and social growth.

• Development occurs from head to toe (head control comes before walking).


• Development is from simple to complex (crawl before walk, babble before speaking).


• Each child develops at their own rate.


• Development is continuous from birth to adolescence.


• Necessary conditions: balanced nutrition, safe environment, health care, love, emotional support, stimulation, learning, and guidance.

1. Ensures good health and protection from diseases.


2. Promotes mental and emotional well-being.


3. Helps children develop social skills and good behavior.


4. Prepares the child for school and future life skills.


5. Reduces risk of accidents and neglect.

Child care involves meeting the child’s physical, emotional, and social needs.

1. Nutrition / Feeding – Balanced diet with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and energy foods.


2. Clothing – Dressing appropriately for weather and comfort.


3. Health Care – Regular check-ups, hygiene, immunization, prompt treatment.


4. Safety / Protection – Prevent accidents and provide a safe environment.


5. Education / Play – Encourage learning and play to stimulate brain and social skills.


6. Emotional Care – Show love, attention, and encouragement to build confidence.

1. Provide basic needs: food, clothing, shelter, health care.


2. Offer emotional support: love, attention, encouragement.


3. Ensure safety and protection.


4. Encourage learning and play.


5. Teach morals, discipline, and social skills.

1. Provide balanced diet and clean water.


2. Encourage good hygiene (washing hands, bathing).


3. Maintain safe and secure home environment.


4. Monitor growth and health regularly.


5. Provide age-appropriate learning materials.

1. Malaria: This is caused by mosquito bites carrying the malaria parasite. Children with malaria may experience fever, chills, headache, and weakness. To care for a child with malaria, keep them indoors, provide plenty of fluids, and seek medical treatment with anti-malarial medication. Preventing mosquito bites using nets or repellents is also important.


2. Diarrhea: Diarrhea often results from infections or drinking contaminated water. Symptoms include frequent loose stools and dehydration. It can be managed by giving oral rehydration salts (ORS), ensuring access to clean water, and seeking medical care when necessary.


3. Measles: Measles is a viral infection that causes fever, rash, cough, and red eyes. A child with measles should be isolated from other children, given vitamin A supplements, and taken to a health facility if symptoms are severe.


4. Chickenpox: Chickenpox is caused by a virus and produces an itchy rash, fever, and tiredness. To care for a child with chickenpox, avoid scratching the rash, maintain good hygiene, and seek medical attention if the child’s condition worsens.


5. Respiratory Infections: These are caused by viruses or bacteria and result in symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and fever. Caring for the child includes keeping them warm, giving plenty of fluids, and seeking medical attention if the infection is severe.


6. Malnutrition: Malnutrition occurs when children do not get a balanced diet with enough nutrients. Symptoms include stunted growth, weakness, and delayed development. To prevent or treat malnutrition, provide a balanced diet with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and sufficient calories, and seek guidance from a health professional if needed.

Immunization is giving a child special medicine called a vaccine to protect them from dangerous diseases.

• Protects children from deadly or disabling diseases.


• Reduces child mortality.


• Prevents disease outbreaks in the community.


• Ensures healthy growth and development.

1. BCG – Against tuberculosis.


2. Polio Vaccine – Prevents poliomyelitis.


3. DPT Vaccine – Protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus.


4. Measles Vaccine – Protects against measles.


5. Hepatitis B Vaccine – Prevents hepatitis B infection.

• Follow the vaccination schedule.


• Keep vaccination cards safe.


• Ensure child is healthy before vaccination.


• Attend clinics regularly for scheduled doses.