Mobility and socialization of typically developing toddlers in various childcare environments

Galloway, James C.One major goal of the lab???s clinical research program is to quantify the daily lives of young children who are typically developing and those with special needs. Development in young children is embodied. Typically developing children benefit from the ability to explore their environment and socialize. Not surprisingly, young children with mobility impairments have difficulty keeping up with peers, which results in difficulties in exploration and socialization. The dosage of mobility (exploration) and socialization is unknown in typically developing toddlers. This limited information reduces the ability of clinicians and educators to assess and assist in the progression of mobility and socialization in children with and without disabilities. The specific goal of this thesis proposal is to quantify the types of mobility and socialization of typically developing children between 18-30 months. Specifically, Aim 1 will quantify the Types of Mobility and Levels of Exertion. Aim 2 will quantify the Types of Socialization. Aim 3 focuses on the co-occurrence of mobility and socialization categories.University of Delaware, Department of Biomechanics and Movement ScienceM.S