Virginia ELDS Birth Five Learning Guidelines

AREA FOUR: HEALTH AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (HPD)

Young children learn through direct, active interaction with their indoor and outdoor surroundings. Through their senses and physical activities, children develop and strengthen their large muscles to become increasingly capable of walking, climbing, running, dancing and other large motor movements. Building, drawing, cutting, and taking care of daily activities provide practice and refine small muscle strength and coordination. Children with disabilities may have significant variation in their ability to engage and move and may need alternative opportunities for participation and interaction with their typically developing peers; they may also benefit from accommodations or adaptive equipment. Caregivers and educators supporting children who are English learners or multilingual learners need to be thoughtful in designing the individualized supports children need to ensure their full participation in diverse early care and educational settings. Caregivers and educators also need to be aware that a child’s self-care and physical development are shaped by their family’s culture and traditions, which should be respected and accepted. Participation in daily routines of self-care, health, safety, rest and physical activity lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Sub-Areas for Health and Physical Development, with Focus Areas appearing in corresponding bulleted lists, include:

HPD3. Fine Motor

HPD1. Using Senses

• HPD1.1. Learning through all senses

• HPD3.1. Using eyes and hands together • HPD3.2. Developing small muscle control

HPD2. Gross Motor

HPD4. Physical Health and Self-care

• HPD2.1. Developing large muscle control • HPD2.2. Exploring the environment

• HPD4.1. Taking care of daily health needs • HPD4.2. Adopting safe behaviors • HPD4.3. Eating with healthy habits • HPD4.4. Developing healthy habits for rest and sleep

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VIRGINIA BOARD OF EDUCATION | doe.virginia.gov