ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the Independence and negotiation; Physical development, movement and manipulative skills; Health and self-care; Communication and language. A facilitating environment for playing and learning; Playthings for the second year. The child needs to have a secure attachment relationship with her close adults to give her the confidence to explore and assert her curiosity. This can be a difficult time, especially for the parents and practitioner, as toddlers test out the strength of their attachment; this can result in behaviour such as biting, kicking, pulling hair. Studies of childcare settings and childminders suggest that children between one and two may receive the least concentrated attention. The key person knows and understands the rapidly developing toddler, and have a good relationship with her family, so that there can be mutual support and planning to meet her needs. Physical development is one of the prime areas of learning and development, with two aspects: moving and handling and health and self-care.
