Define the terms: biological, environmental

Qualification: Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 3.13: Support children with additional needs
Learning outcome: 1 Understand biological, environmental and developmental factors which may result in children needing additional support
Assessment criteria: 1.1 Define the terms: biological, environmental

• Biological:
  • Refers to medical conditions that can mean a child may need additional support
  • Could be permanent (e.g. autism) or temporary (e.g. a broken bone)
  • Could be present at birth (e.g. a learning disability) or develop/be diagnosed later in the child’s life (e.g. epilepsy)
  • Could be a physical or a genetic condition
• Environmental:
  • Refers to how a child’s environment may affect their development
  • Can include parenting and difficult situations (e.g. a bereavement)
  • Can include religious beliefs and culture