17 Child Growth & Development 4. Influences on Development 1. Influences on Development Level 1 Recognize that genetic and environmental factors influence development. CGD 4.1.1 Level 2 Understand that environmental, biological, and maturational factors interact to influence development. CGD 4.1.2 Level 3 Implement practices with children that reflect knowledge of current theories and research on environmental and biological factors and their relationship to growth, risks, and delays in development. CGD 4.1.3 Level 4 Analyze, evaluate and modify programs to ensure the implementation of best practice strategies appropriate to current theories and research on environmental and biological factors and their relationship to growth, risks, and delays in development. CGD 4.1.4 Level 5 Articulate, analyze, and evaluate theories of environmental and biological factors on the development of children. CGD 4.1.5 2. Family as the Primary Environmental Influence on Children’s Development Level 1 Recognize that family is the primary source of environmental influence on development. CGD 4.2.1 Level 2 Acknowledge that early childhood professionals can support families within the boundaries of best practices. CGD 4.2.2 Level 3 Provide support to families in the development of each child while being sensitive to their values and goals. CGD 4.2.3 Level 4 Analyze, evaluate and modify programs to ensure that families are supported in their role as primary influencers of children’s development. CGD 4.2.4 Level 5 Articulate, analyze, and evaluate current knowledge, theories, research, and best practices to support and enhance the ability of families to provide appropriate primary environments for children. CGD 4.2.5 3. Stress as an Environmental Factor Level 1 Recognize that stressful environmental situations affect behavior and development. CGD 4.3.1 Level 2 Understand that trauma and stress affect development and that supportive relationships play a crucial role in helping children cope. CGD 4.3.2 Level 3 Identify community services and resources for children and families, and make referrals as needed. CGD 4.3.3 Level 4 Obtain consultation services and secure collaborative agreements with community resources for children and families under stress. CGD 4.3.4 Level 5 Engage the community in developing and providing services and resources for children and families under stress. CGD 4.3.5