The first few years of a child’s life are possibly the most intensive developmental years, particularly from birth to age four. What happens during these formative years can set the stage, positively or negatively, for how a child will interact and develop during the school years, making it very important to identify any special needs a child might have as early as possible.

Child development begins even before birth, with language and relationships becoming key components of their growth during the early years, particularly the first two years, according to Child Development Programme co-ordinator Jennifer Manders.

“The largest piece of learning occurs in the first two to four years, making it vital to help children develop in their early years,” she explains.

“It is very important that they develop a sense of trust,” says Mrs. Manders of newborns.

“By two to three months, they start to develop an awareness of people, particularly faces, and they start to have a more definite response around three to four months, when they become so socially delightful.”

She explains that independent spirits start to come to light around six to eight months, particularly as babies learn to sit up, hold their bottle and pick things up.

“By eight months, they have a good sense of themselves as individuals,” she adds. Children at this age, and up to 15 months, often begin to realise that they are separate entities within the world and begin to develop a ‘stranger awareness’, which can be perceived by others as ‘grumpiness’ or ‘clinginess’.

“The next stage of development is usually between 15 and 18 months, by which time they should definitely be walking.

“Independence continues, they are exploring and they are into everything. They understand a little bit of cause and effect and enjoy games like Peek-a-Boo,” she laughs.

As children complete their second year, independence levels continue to grow:

“The two-year-old is often motivated by independence and trying to do things themselves. So much goes on in that period, between birth and two years. The brain is growing the most quickly it ever will and, around three, starts to organise itself.”

A few years ago, the Child Development Programme launched a programme to help new parents become more aware of their children’s developmental process by offering a set of videos to new mothers before they are discharged from hospital.

The “I Am Your Child” series is produced by Parents Action For Children and is now available in DVD format. It includes titles: “The First Years Last Forever;” “Safe From the Start”, “Your Healthy Baby”, “Ready to Learn”, “Discipline: Teaching Limits with Love”, “Quality Child Care” and “To be a Father”.

“It is very important for children to be well-stimulated, but babies still have to grow at their own rate,” Mrs. Manders emphasises. “There needs to be lots of talking, play talking, tying play to everyday experiences and reading.”

She also reminds parents that they can always come to the Child Development Programme for help: “Any time a parent feels that things are just not what they expect, they can call us. Even for little questions. Often it is gut feelings.”

She warns signs of possible delays include children that develop little social interest during the first year, or when there are no spoken words by the second year: “Silence is not golden. We want to hear children jabbering and chattering the best way they can.”

She also explains that children with problems can appear to be frequently fussy or aggressive because they cannot communicate their needs.

The Child Development Programme also provides support for families where there is no developmental problem, offering a variety of services, including the two-year screening.

“Ours is a prevention service. We see all families as important.”

She adds: “Parenting is a tremendous responsibility and a joyful experience. It is the most important job, to nurture life.”