Entrepreneurship in Child Care Services

Entrepreneurship in Childcare Services 4 (2+2)

Lesson 12 : Theoretical approaches in management of child care centers

Developmental Theory

This theory provides theoretical basis for understanding and planning programmes for young children. Information about children’s growth and development has provided a general consensus that a developmental theory is sound basis for decisions about children. There are a number of different theorists whose work is incorporated into the described approach in one way or the other – Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget, Robert Havighurst, Benjamin Bloom, Erik Erikson, B.F. Skinner and others. Certain programs may emphasize one theorist more than another. For example,

Theorist	Views
Montessori	Belives that children individualized learning based on the child’s abilities.
Piaget	believes that children construct knowledge from their experience with their environment. By using Piagetian views Entrepreneurs can help teachers and parents to appreciate children’s thinking.
Havighurst	described the developmental tasks of each age throughout the life span.
Bloom	also contributed to the concept of behavioral objectives, believing that tasks could be broken down into achievable parts, helping the child succeed. Bloom’s early research led him to state quite strongly the importance of the early years for later development. He felt that very significant learning takes place in the first five years of life.
Erikson	proposed the theory of the Eight Stages of Man and proceeded to describe those stages in his work. When infants’ caregivers learn about helping their charges gain a sense of trust, they are borrowing from Erikson.
Skinner	is known for his behaviorist theory which emphasis on reinforcement.

The views on developmental theories help to understand more about the children. This approach is useful in planning developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities of the child care center. Depending on the philosophy behind the programme the curriculum is planned and center is equipped with suitable material and with trained teachers. It is also helpful for monitoring and evaluating the center components and to check whether the programme is fulfilling the set objectives and goals of the centre.