Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Jane Loscheider
Abstract
Background: Developmental milestone expectations increase in school-aged children, accompanied by growing demands in motor skills, cognition, social and emotional development, academic performance, and self-care skills. Routine screenings through a physician's annual well-child visits can help identify if a child is not meeting specific developmental expectations; however, caregivers and teachers play a critical role in early detection. Early detection and intervention of a developmental delay helps aid in their ability to catch up.
Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to increase teacher and parent awareness of developmental milestone expectations and to provide them with developmentally supportive activities that can be done in the classroom or at home. Through these activities, this project is intended to help teachers and/or caregivers advocate for any child who may benefit from additional screenings for potential services.
Methods: A literature review was completed through the lens of the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) and a program was developed to support children (ages six to ten years old), teachers, and caregivers. Both pedagogical and andragogical teaching and learning methods were employed to support all learners.
Conclusion: Supporting school-aged children in meeting developmental milestones is important for their overall success. Through education and increasing awareness of developmental milestone expectations, caregivers and teachers are better equipped to support the child’s developmental growth.
Recommended Citation
Dobrinz, Olivia Anne, "MILESTONES IN MOTION: SUPPORTING STUDENT GROWTH THROUGH DEVELOPMENTAL UNDERSTANDING" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 686.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/686