The following research paper presents the topic of mental health and developmental needs of school aged children. Developmental needs, physical, social, and emotional health concerns, mental health needs, cultural needs, and values and moral development are included in the discussion, which is followed by a summary and conclusion.
Glascoe (2003) reported on children's developmental needs related to language and intelligence, and physical, social, and mental health needs. Fewer than 50% of children with emotional or behavioral disturbances are identified by physicians and parents do not routinely ask physicians about their concerns. Parents report that they are worried about their child's development. Glascoe studied a national sample of 472 parents and their children who ranged in age from 21 months to 8 years. Findings showed that parents with children that had developmental disabilities and mental health problems had unique concerns about their children. Concerns about behavior and social skills were predictors of mental health problems. Parents with concerns identified behavioral problems and worried about their children acquiring self-help skills. Findings implied that health-care providers and educators must note the need for these skills. It is recommended that parent education, training, and developmental promotions be considered.
Amold and Doctoroff (2003) investigated effects of SES in children by studying the education of SES-disadvantaged children. Research on education of this group identifies the importance of early academic skills and interest, benefits of integrating knowledge from findings related to mental health and other areas, the need to use and build a child's strengths and address their weaknesses, and the need to connect research to practice and policy. Race and culture are related to low-SES children at risk of poverty and with regard to gender, low-SES boys have poorer achievement levels t...