This essay will look at the physical and psychological needs of a three year old child. All children have needs and these needs will change over a child’s lifetime. The Oxford English Dictionary describes a “need” as something that is a requirement, “because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable” (OED, 1989, v. 1.). Both the physical and psychological development of a three year old child will be examined in order to determine what needs are required for this development to take place. Ways in which childcare settings can meet these varied needs will also be discussed. Finally examples will be given of what the consequences might be for a child whose basic developmental needs have not been met.
A three year old child’s physical development encompasses quite a lot. From their growth i.e. their height and weight to their muscle development and gross and fine motor skills. At this stage of their development a child will start to learn about h/his own body and how s/he can control it. As his balance improves s/he will be able, through practice, to start to do things s/he had previously been unable to do. H/His independence is also growing and s/he will often want to do things without adult interference. S/He is beginning to explore h/his world at a much greater level than before. H/His natural curiosity can only flourish however so long as s/he remains within a safe and secure setting which is structured and predictable and has limits and boundaries. Generally most children of this age will be toilet trained and will also be able to verbally express their own needs. For a child to be able to grow and develop normally there are certain physical needs that have to be met. External needs such as warmth, air and exercise can be met by ensuring the child’s environment is at a comfortable temperature and is well ventilated. There should