A child development theoryis 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.

Although some child development theories may be connected to a specific theorist you are to focus on the theory, not the person(s). Additional information about conducting research can be found in the Theory Support document.

Reflect on children's needs and the role the theory plays in promoting development. Demonstrate your conceptual understanding of the theory by addressing the different components of children's growth and development.

1. Identify the child development theory you value most and explain it in detail. Explain how the theory supports your knowledge and understanding of 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 includes 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 setup, 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 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 how the theory relates to early education?
2. Cite your sources!