Middle Childhood Development
(Ages Six through Twelve)

We believe that middle childhood development builds on a child’s early childhood experiences. We also believe that each child develops in their own way, and on a timetable that reflects their unique needs.

Child development research tells us that children of this age:

• Develop a strong interest in the world around them.
• Long for an array of experiences outside of their home.
• Thrive as they interact with positive adult role models other than parents, family and caregivers.
• Are in a fragile emotional stage for self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Begin developing the ability to reason.
• Move from concrete to abstract thinking.
• Need a stimulating environment centered on their needs.

In this area of focus we want to fund projects that result in opportunities for children ages 6-12 to develop socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually.

Among our priorities in the area of Middle Childhood Development are:

• Actively involving parents in the quality of their child’s education.
• Shifting traditional learning environments’ focus on adult needs toward a concentration on children’s needs.
• Changing traditional learning environments so that they become more closely aligned with children’s developmental needs. These environments will include: engaging, age-appropriate materials and learning processes designed to address the developmental needs of each child.
• Adding to the number of the 40 Developmental Assets that children possess.
• Increasing the ability of youth-serving organizations to address the developmental needs of 6-12 year olds.
• Strengthening community involvement in the development of 6-12 year olds.