Sensitive Periods Negative Experience

Child Development

The Brain & Child Development Learning

Infants: Birth - 12 Months Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months Children: 24 - 36 Months Children: 36 - 48 Months

Physical Well-Being

Responsive Adults Safe Physical Surroundings Nutrition and the Brain Breastfeeding Essential Fatty Acids Good Health Practices

Attachment

How Attachments Form Caregiver's Role Secure vs. Insecure Challenges

Play

Benefits of Play Playing with Others What Children Need

Consistency

Elements of Consistency Consistency in Child Care Setting Consistent Limits Benefits of Consistency

Stress

Effects of Stress Dangers of Stress Reducing Effects of Stress

Want to Know More? Click on highlighted terms to look up definitions in the glossary.

What Children Need for Play

Children Don't Need Complex Toys to Play Children need the following things to develop and promote play:

new experiences for high-quality play
chances to explore and experiment with new materials
uninterrupted playtime
safe and developmentally appropriate toys (appropriate for the child's age and ability)
safe spaces to explore freely without being restricted
a small amount of quiet time to process what they have learned before beginning a new activity

Children do not need:

fancy or expensive toys
toys that claim to make a child smarter

The most important "toy" for young children is you. Children love the time they spend with adults, and learn best through face-to-face interaction with other people. Young children do not necessarily need expensive toys. Play can be just as effective with everyday things from around the house — such as a box, a wooden spoon, or a plastic bowl — as with pricy toys that may be outgrown quickly.

governer's office for children and families

This project was supported in part by the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Community Based Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CFDA 93.590). Points of view or opinions stated in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Community Based Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CFDA 93.590).