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.

In the area of Middle Childhood Development we want to invest in the following results:

• Increase the number of parents who are actively involved in choosing the quality of their child’s education.
• Transition learning environments from a focus on adult needs to a focus on children’s needs.
• Increase the number of learning environments that are 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.)
• Increase the total number of Developmental Assets that children possess.
• Increase the number of youth-serving organizations that are prepared to address the developmental needs of six to twelve year-olds.
• Increase community involvement in the development of six through twelve year-olds.