Child Development Case Study Analysis

In a 6?8 page, double-spaced paper, address each of the following components:

1. Provide an introduction to your analysis?a brief recap of the case.
2. Discuss whether or not you believe this child has developed a secure
   attachment to a parent or caregiver and provide specific reasons from
   the case (and readings) to support your position. Discuss how Timothy’s
   attachment to his parents has impacted his development throughout his
   childhood and give examples from each stage.
3. Use Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model to discuss the contextual and
   ecological factors such as poverty, education, the environment of the
   home, and poor quality child care.
4. What is the prognosis for this child if he does not receive
   treatment? What treatment might be successful in helping this child? Use
   the Capella library to find at least two peer-reviewed articles that
   focus on disordered attachments and their treatment.
5. After reviewing the information on careers in child psychology,
   discuss how at least one type of provider might work with Timothy’s
   family. Also, discuss this career in pediatric psychology and the impact
   of this field on child development.
6. Discuss at least one ethical consideration that a pediatric provider may need to be aware of when working with a family.
7. After reflecting on this case, consider the implications for policy.
   Provide an example of how can we use our understanding of early bonding
   to inform policy.
8. Provide a reference list.

Early Years

At 26 months, Timothy was referred to child services for evaluation
because he was “out of control.” His parents, Alice and Steve, referred
to him as a “holy terror.” According to the parents, when Timothy was
told “no,” he threw himself on the floor kicking and screaming and he
would hit and kick any adults when they approached. When Timothy became
very upset he would bang his head on the floor and bite himself.

Home life

History reveals considerable violence at home between Alice and
Steve which Timothy often witnesses. Steve frequently found himself in
between jobs. His mother worked long, overnight shifts for a minimum
wage salary. Both parents regularly used spanking as method of
discipline.

Daycare

Timothy spent 10 hours per day at an illegal daycare home where one
caregiver was responsible for 12 children all under the age of four.
The caregiver used spanking to discipline Timothy and the other children
in her care. Timothy’s mother often picked in a soiled pamper and with a
pacifier in his mouth. The parents had some concerns about the
Timothy’s childcare?including unsanitary conditions, and snacks
consisting of potato chips and cookies; they did not believe they had
any choice however. The high-quality care centers in their area are too
expensive.

Elementary Years

At age six, Timothy was enrolled in a first-grade public school
program. He never attended any formal preschool or kindergarten program.
Timothy’s teacher reported that he had difficulty making friends and
was often seen playing on his own during recess. He rarely came to
school prepared with the needed supplies or with his homework completed.
Timothy occasionally had an angry, frustrated reaction to his teacher
and often ignored the classroom rules.

Adolescence

At age 11, Timothy was held back from being promoted to sixth
grade. His academics were far below what would be expected for a
fifth-grade student and he struggled with both reading and writing.
Timothy had few friends and was suspended briefly for hitting another
student over a minor disagreement.