Understanding child development

Resources for educators

These resources outline the key developmental issues and experiences for children from birth to age 12. They include information about children’s typical development, reactions to adversities, experiences of parental difficulties, signs of distress and ways of coping. They also explore how to support children and their families at these different ages.

While these resources have been written for health professionals, they include information that may be applicable in an early childhood or school setting.

Fact sheet

Understanding child development: Ages 0-3 years

Dr Sara McLean

This resource is part of a series from the Emerging Minds: National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health that outlines the key developmental issues and experiences for children, from birth to age 12. It focuses on the developmental experiences of infants and children aged 0–3 years, providing a brief description of how adverse events may be experienced by a child of this age, and how adults can support a child who has been exposed to disruptive life events.
Fact sheet

Understanding child development: Ages 3-5 years

Dr Sara McLean

This resource is part of a series from the Emerging Minds: National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health that outlines the key developmental issues and experiences for children, from birth to age 12. It focuses on the developmental experiences of infants and children aged 3-5 years, providing a brief description of how adverse events may be experienced by a child of this age, and how adults can support a child who has been exposed to disruptive life events.
Fact sheet

Understanding child development: Ages 5-8 years

Dr Sara McLean

This resource is part of a series from the Emerging Minds: National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health that outlines the key developmental issues and experiences for children, from birth to age 12. It focuses on the developmental experiences of children aged 5–8 years, providing a brief description of how adverse events may be experienced by a child of this age, and how adults can support a child that has been exposed to disruptive life events.
Fact sheet

Understanding child development: Ages 9-12 years

Dr Sara McLean

This resource is part of a series from the Emerging Minds: National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health that outlines the key developmental issues and experiences for children, from birth to age 12. It focuses on the developmental experiences of children aged 9-12 years, providing a brief description of how adverse events may be experienced by a child of this age, and how adults can support a child that has been exposed to disruptive life events.

Explore other resources for educators

Understanding child development

Resources for educators

Understanding child development: Ages 0-3 years

Understanding child development: Ages 3-5 years

Understanding child development: Ages 5-8 years

Understanding child development: Ages 9-12 years

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