ECCE 1103 Child Growth and Development

Toddler Situations 

Situation 1 - Sammy and Willow (20 points)

Ella and Jayne have been friends since grade school. They have lived in the same town and have the same circle of friends. They both got pregnant around the same time. Ella has a little boy called Sammy, who is 15 months old. Jayne's little girl is called Willow. She is now 13 months old. Ella and Jayne are constantly comparing their children and each is eager to show that her child can do more than the other. The constant comparison and competition is causing them considerable anxiety. Right now Ella is worrying because:

• Willow is saying about s already; Sammy says about  as well, but they are not as clear.
• Willow likes to look at books; Sammy just wants to turn the pages and then moves to other toys.
• Willow likes to try new foods; Sammy makes faces and refuses food he does not like.
• Willow has 8 teeth; Sammy has only 6

At the same time Jayne is worrying because:

• Sammy can walk well and even run; Willow cruises around the furniture and does not take any steps on her own yet.
• Sammy uses gestures to get what he wants; Willow uses sounds.
• Sammy can point to different body parts; Willow does not point at anything.

Questions:

1. What strengths can you observe and point out for Sammy?
2. What strengths can you observe and point out for Willow?
3. Does the parent of Sammy have any cause for concern?  What are any concerns and why do you believe it is a concern?
4. Does the parent of Willow have any cause for concern?  What are any concerns and why do you believe it is a concern?
5. How can you help Sammy's mother support her child's development?
6. How can you help Willow's mother support her child's development?

Adapted from Children On Track - Case Scenarios developed by Best Start.

 

Toddler Situation 2 (20 points)

One day CC bites another child. As the teacher, you note in your records that says - May 1: CC bit Denise without warning. That evening you talk to CC's father when he comes to pick up CC. Neither CC's father nor you can offer an explanation for WHY this incident happened. You decide to keep more detailed records when it happens again the next day. After two weeks, this is what you have recorded: May 2: CC bit Denise without warning   -   May 4: CC bit Nancy @ lunchtime and again at 4:00PM   -   May 5: CC bit Denise during an argument over a toy.   -   May 9: CC bit Denise during outside play @ 10:15 AM while fighting over a Big Wheel.   -   May 11: CC bit Denise @ 11:20 just after tooth brushing before nap.   -   May 12: CC bit Denise just before father picks up CC. Denise's parents are VERY upset!   -   May 16: CC bit Nancy @ 4:30 just before father picks up CC.  After two weeks of this, you decide it is time to sit down with both of CC's parents and discuss this issue.  You are to respond with how you will conduct this meeting. 

1. When and how will you tell them you want to meet with them?
2. What statement will you lead with?  What statement will you close with?
3. What points do you want to make?
4. What suggestions will you offer?

Toddler Situation 3 (20 points)

The parent of DD comes to you for advice.  DD has a tantrum every day when they are picked up from day care. DD does not want to leave and they scream the entire way home. DD's father has tried to bring a little snack for the child or even gum to make them happy and DD still screams for about 45 minutes. When they get home, DD wants the parent to hold them standing up and will not let him sit down. Will these tantrums stop and what can they s parents to help DD?  Is there anything the teacher can do to help this situation?

1. Typical or not? Why?
2. Is a snack okay?  Is gum okay?
3. Does Dad have to stand and hold the child?
4. What can the teacher do to help the situation?
5. What are your suggestions for the parent?