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The Colorado Department of Early Childhood, in partnership with Illuminate Colorado, provides guidelines for nurturing healthy development for children ages 0-12. These guidelines ensure adults interacting with children possess the basic knowledge and skills to foster healthy sexual growth and development in children.
Ages Zero to Two
Ages Two to Four
Ages Four to Six
Ages Six to Eight
Ages Eight to Twelve
Need help answering children’s questions about sexuality? Use the TALK Method.
When a question or situation of regarding sexual topics comes up, it is a good idea to take a few seconds before reacting.
You want the child to come back to you with future questions and thoughts. You want to be an “askable” adult. That does not mean that you will always know the answer, but it does mean you are open to being asked and willing to search for an answer.
If you are “askable,” you don’t need to have a perfect, well-thought-out answer ready every time. Talking about sexuality is not a one-time event. You will probably get another chance to talk about the subject, adding information and clarity.
T = Think about what’s being asked. What is going on here? Is there a question behind the question?
A = Ask the child what s/he thinks the answer is. This will give you information about what the child already knows or thinks, as well as help to clarify the question.
L = Listen to the child. And take time to sort out your emotions and the message you want to give. Decide when and where you want to communicate this message to the child. It is okay to take the time to decide on exactly what messages you want to convey.
K = Knowledge sharing. Share information and knowledge with respect, and at the child’s level of curiosity and understanding, keeping your answers simple and accurate.
(Adapted from Care for Kids Curriculum, The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, 2000)
Introduction
Guiding Principles
Development of the Guidelines
Purposes of the Guidelines
Structure of the Guidelines
Birth to Age 3
Physical Development and Health
Social Development
Emotional Development
Language and Literacy Development
Cognitive Development
Approaches to Learning
Birth to Four Months
Ages 4–8 Months
Ages 9–18 Months
Ages 19–36 Months
Ages 3–5
Physical Development & Health
Social & Emotional Development
English Language Development
Language Development
Literacy Knowledge & Skills
Logic & Reasoning
Mathematics Knowledge & Skills
Science Knowledge & Skills
Approaches to Learning
Social Studies Knowledge & Skills
Creative Arts Expression
Kindergarten through 3rd Grade
Comprehensive Health and Physical Education
Colorado English Language Proficiency
World Languages
Reading, Writing, and Communicating
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Music
Dance
Visual Arts
Drama and Theatre Arts
Raising Colorado Kids Guide is brought to you by the Colorado Office of Early Childhood.
For general help, call 1-800-799-5876 or email cdhs_oec_communications@state.co.us
Raising Colorado Kids is brought to you by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
For general help, call 1-800-799-5876 or email cdec_communications@state.co.us
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