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Your Three Year Old

There is no one like your child

Every child's development is unique and complex. Although children develop through a generally predictable sequence of steps and milestones, they may not proceed through these steps in the same way or at the same time. A child's development is also greatly influenced by factors in his or her environment and the experiences he or she has. The information in this guide explains what child development experts consider to be "widely-held expectations" for what an average child might achieve within a given year. Please consider what you read in the context of your child's unique development.

How your child may develop this year

· Three-year-olds learn primarily through exploring, using all the senses. While playing, they are better able to ignore distractions and focus on the task at hand. They will even persist in completing something that is a bit difficult and can think more creatively and methodically when solving problems.

· Language for three-year-olds is taking off. They learn lots of new words and make major improvements in pronunciation. They communicate in simple sentences and are refining their use of grammar. Children this age begin to initiate conversations, want to talk about areas of interest and can relate personal experiences to others with the support of some prompting from grown-ups.

· Three-year-olds are also able to listen to and understand conversations, stories, songs and poems. They are learning their letters, but may also refer to numbers as "letters." They notice print in the environment and may ask what it means. They also realize that print in books tells a reader what to say. During the year, scribbles begin to appear more like letters and children may string several of these "letters" together to form mock words. They become aware of the uses for writing and may dictate words for adults to write down.

· Children this age develop their logical reasoning skills as they play. They can put together simple puzzles and understand that a whole object can be separated into parts. They are able to classify and sort objects, but usually by only one characteristic at a time. Three-year-olds identify and describe objects that are the "same" or "different." They can count up to "five," and begin to recognize written numerals "0" through "9." When counting items in a collection, they can now label each object with just one number word to determine the total ("one to one correspondence").

· Physically, three-year-olds are less top-heavy than toddlers and move with greater sureness. They have improved their abilities to run, climb and perform other large-muscle activities. They can ride a tricycle or pump a swing. They can catch a large ball using two hands and their bodies. Improved finger dexterity allows them to put together simple puzzles, use tools, hold crayons with fingers instead of fists, make balls and snakes out of clay and undress without assistance.

· Emotionally, three-year-olds need familiar adults nearby for security as they explore and play. As they develop more independence, children this age begin to have real friendships with other children. When conflicts arise with peers, three-year-olds will typically seek adult assistance. They are learning to recognize the causes of feelings and will give simple help, such as a hug, to those who are upset. Three-year-olds can better manage their emotions, but may still fall apart under stress.

· Three-year-olds build on their abilities in the creative arts by developing greater control over their voices and by recognizing, naming and singing their favorite songs. They can play simple rhythm instruments with a developing ability to control beat, tempo and pitch. Their art also begins to include recognizable subjects. Three-year-olds love dramatic play and will sometimes get so involved in their imagined scenarios that they continue their roles even after the play stops. They also prefer to use real objects and costumes in their pretend play.

Child Development Tracker

Three-year-olds love to explore words and language. They enjoy making up stories. Their favorite literary characters are often animals with human traits, such as Curious George.

During the third year of life, children enjoy expressing their new found sense of humor. Silly word games and imaginative tales are just a few of the ways that three-year-olds amuse themselves!

Very active, they can be found observing and exploring the world around them. Children this age perfect their motor skills by spending endless hours climbing the jungle gym or going down the same slide. They enjoy songs that can be accompanied by whole-body rhythmic movements.

The three-year-old is eager to please. It's a wonderful time to establish excellent lifelong habits, if parents have the patience!

Developmental Milestones - Three Year Olds

During the third year of life a child typically:

· May sleep 10 to 12 hours at night

· Hops on one foot

· Walks a line

· Walks on tiptoes for a few steps

· Brushes teeth, washes hands, retrieves own drink

· Puts on shoes (no laces)

· Completes a six-piece puzzle

· Draws simple shapes

· Enjoys helping with household tasks

· Follows simple directions

· Plays spontaneously with two or three children

· Identifies some common colors

· Counts to three

· Enjoys "pretend" games such as playing house

· Wets the bed at night occasionally

· Uses the toilet often and may need help (boys may not be toilet trained until later this year)

· Feeds self completely using a fork and spoon and can butter bread with a knife.

· Speaks in three- to five-word sentences

· Uses plurals (cats, dogs, etc.)

· May have difficulty getting some words out (not a sign of stuttering)

· Sings a simple tune

· Asks a lot of the "Five W" questions

· Demonstrates a three-minute attention span

· Remembers yesterday's happenings

· Understands some dangers, such as moving cars

· Feels shame when caught doing something wrong

· Is interested in similarities and differences

· Understands difference between self and younger children

· Doesn't understand difference between self and older children

· May show preference for opposite sex parent

· Develops sense of humor and enjoys making people

Read More Developmental Milestones - Three Year Olds

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Parents

Please use this site as a means to receive your resources. From our parent handbook and forms that need to be signed and returned to us, to learning resources to help your child progress in his/her early learning skills, and even health resources.

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To View: SCCS PARENT HANDBOOK

Table of Content

Programs and Procedures .................................... Page 7
Hours of Operation/Vacations, Holidays
Inclement Weather Plan
Evacuation/Emergency Provider Plan
Safe Arrival and Departure Procedures
Toilet Training/Infant and Toddler Needs
Rest/Quiet Time
Sippy Cups/Bottles

Tuition ................................................................ Page 10
Enrollment Fee/Tuition
Return Check Fee
Late Pick Up Fee

Curriculum ........................................................... Page 12
Infant
Toddlers
Preschool
School-age
Learning Centers/Activity Planning
Field Trips/Guest Speaker
Holidays and Birthdays/Items from Home
Family Involvement/Information Board

SCCS Guidelines and Policies............................... Page 16
NC General Statues and Child Care Rules

Children's    Record and Activities: Application
      Discipline Policies
      Emergency Medical Care Authorization
      Health Assessment
      Immunization Records

Nutrition:     Nutritious/Non-Nutritional Foods
      Children with Allergies
      Feeding Schedules
      Number of Meals and Snacks

Discipline:     Corporal Punishment
      Discipline: Appropriate/Written Policy
      Right to Disenroll

Medical Care:    Emergency/Medical Care Information
      Plan/Requirement for Emergency
      Incident Report
      Administering Medication

Health and Safety Guidelines:   Illness
      Safety
      Incident and Accident Reports
      Child Abuse and Neglect
      Court Orders
      Fire Drills
      Disaster Preparedness

Checklist ........................................................ Page 26

FORMS:

SCCS Annual Update Sheet

Immunization History

Children's File Checklist

Documentation of Receipt of Policies

Child's Application for Day Care

Child's Medical Report

Child Information Form

Travel and Activity Authorization

Infant Feeding Schedule

Discipline and Behavior Management Policy