A child development theory is an integrated collection of beliefs about why children behave, think and feel as they do. A theory can include beliefs about the nature of learning and development, the role of hereditary and environment, and how adults, other children, schools and communities contribute to the process. No single, universally accepted theory exists. After discussing the different types of theories you should have developed your own beliefs about how children develop as it relates to a specific theory (or two). This would be a first step in using theory to shape how you will work with children and families. Which is also how you start to develop a 'philosophy' of your own and apply what you have learned to other professional settings.

Answer each area with details utilizing any resources available to you. You must use research as the foundation for this assignment as you are learning about a child development theory that highlights what you believe is best for young children and their families. The research is supposed to support your learning process.

The more information you give to support your answer the better you will do.

1. Identify the child development theory you value most and explain it in detail. Explain how the theory supports your knowing and understanding young children's characteristics and needs. (NAEYC Standard 1.a)Be specific to the information from the text and the scholarly resources that you explored to include all relevant information. Explain it in detail, including lots of citations in this first part of the paper, but be sure to use your own words as well. This is the most important part of the assignment as it provides the foundation for the entire assignment. Make it meaningful to you.

1. Why did you choose the theory specifically? Include three to five reasons specific to the theory about why you identified with this theory.

1. How does the theory explain the multiple influences on early development and learning, in particular how it relates to the four developmental domains (cognitive, affective, motor and physical)? (NAEYC Standard 1.b)

1. What do you plan to do in the future? Include information showing how the theory supports decisions about creating healthy, respectful and supportive learning environments for children. (NAEYC Standard 1.c) Give details that relate to you that are supported by the research you compiled.

1. How does the theory support understanding diverse family and community characteristics?Include information about nature (genetics) and nurture (family and the environment) and how this theory reflects on it. (NAEYC Standard 2.a).

1. How would this theory be reflected in the way you would interact with families? What are some of the ways you would engage with the community? (NAEYC Standard 2.b) Include information about how the theory supports relationship building and engagement with families and the community through respectful, reciprocal relationships.

1. How would you plan to use this 'theory' to support your role in developing relationships with young children? Utilizing the foundation of the theory include specific ways that you will interact with children and the role they have in developing the classroom environment (NAEYC Standard 4.a)

1. Utilizing the foundation of the theory include specific ways (learning centers, outdoor and indoor experiences, classroom set up, etc.) that you will offer developmentally appropriate curriculum ideas. (NAEYC Standard 4.c). As we discussed in class play is children's work so include information about the theoretical perspective on supporting children's play, activity and learning processes and motivation to learn.

1. What are the opposing viewpoints and challenges of the theory? (NAEYC Standard 6.d) How does the diverse research collected support you in developing an integrated, reflective and critical perspective of the how the theory relates to early education? Remember to cite your sources!