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It is important to know the difference between the sequence and the rate of development, as it helps to identify the child’s abilities and needs during these stages.   The sequencing of development assists you to prepare and plan effectively and at the right time in anticipation for the next development stage to be reached.   The sequence of development is not to be confused with the rate of development as every child will progress and grow at different speeds.   The rate of development however, is when individuals reach certain milestones and at the speed of which they do so, and the rate is also about recognising and identifying and concerns in development and how you can adapt and assist learning and development.   The sequence usually remains relatively the same in each child, but the rate at which many milestones are achieved can vary greatly in different children.
Sequence of development refers to the fact that development usually follows the same basic pattern that is skills are usually acquired in the same order. The sequence of development is a definite order of milestones that children and young people meet and accomplish. This means that children must first finish one area of development before moving to another developmental milestone. If a child has difficulty meeting a milestone it can mean some delay in other areas too, these developments can vary in each child. Developments in social and emotional, physical, intellectual and language begin from birth and continue into adolescents and it’s within these areas that a sequence is formed. An example of this could be that a baby will learn to hold their head up before learning to sit unaided or a child will learn to walk before they can run.
The rate of development is the time-frame given for the average development of a child expected at a certain age, i.e. at one has started to walk. All children are unique and will develop at their own rate. The rate of development is just a guideline. For...