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GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN Joel D. Lazaro # Lourdes S. Tanchanco BIT ane sey COMPETENCIES 7 Rte |. © Differentiate the terms growth and development _ © Recognize the importance of growth and development - Identify factors affecting growth and development Interpret growth measurements "+ Demonstrate the patterns of growth at different _ ages Discuss the various developmental milestones and phases of development 7 ae Fx } f rowth is defined as an increase in the Gn size and mass of an individual or a single organ. It begins at conception and continues at a rate that depends on a variety of factors. Development, on the other hand, refers to the process of acquiring skills in an orderly and predictable manner. It involves refinement and specialization of functions, resulting in the achievement of increasingly complex abilities in various domains. It culminates in the acquisition of knowledge and skills that are needed to access and utilize environmental resources in order to sustain life. Although growth is often used synonymously with development, these 2 terms refer to different processes. Development is viewed as the more encompassing concept and includes growth. IMPORTANCE OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT Growth and development are significant determinants of the health and well-being of children. When children achieve their optimal growth and development, their physiologic processes are considered normal and their physical and psychological needs are being met. A deviation in growth may be an early sign of underlying problems. Impairments in growth are associated with delays in cognitive development and decreased intellectual capacity. Deficits in growth have been associated with increasing child mortality. Growth is, therefore, an important indicator of an individual's health, adequacy of diet, impact of illness, and general well- being. Likewise, the growth status of infants and children may also be indicators of the health and socioeconomic development of the communities to which they belong. Normal human development offers a window to the status of CNS development, deviations from which become red flags of neurodevelopmental disorders. An evaluation of human development provides the clinician with the opportunity to create early detection programs. Studies in this field have far-reaching implications in child rearing, education, health care, and social policy. Optimizing development enables communities and societies to flourish. In the Philippines, laws exist that promulgate early childhood care and development. Republic Act 6972 or the Barangay-level Total Development and Protection of Children Act seeks to establish at least one day-care center in every barangay in the country which promotes growth and nutrition monitoring, intellectual and mental stimulation, and supervised group play, among other tasks. Republic Act 8980, otherwise known as the Early Childhood Care and Development Act, seeks to provide a comprehensive range of health, nutrition, early education, and social services that cater to the holistic needs of children 
