Development Case Study

To prepare for this assignment, view the case study Timothy’s Story, linked in the Resources.

Drawing on what you learned about Timothy in the multimedia presentation and on your knowledge of child development, write a 4–6-page analysis of Timothy’s situation and the possibilities for intervention and improvement in his life. In your analysis, include the following:

  1. Provide a brief recap of the case.
  2. Summarize attachment theory, and discuss Timothy’s attachment style to a parent or caregiver. Provide specific examples from the case (and readings) to support your position.
  3. Describe how Timothy’s attachment to his parents will affect his current and later physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Provide examples from each childhood stage.
  4. Discuss factors that affect attachment security (secure and insecure). Apply Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model to discuss how contextual and ecological factors such as poverty, education, the environment of the home, and poor quality childcare affect child development.
  5. Describe disordered attachment and treatments available. Use the Capella library to find at least two peer-reviewed articles that focus on disordered attachments and their treatment.
  6. Identify a strategy at each stage of Timothy’s development (early years, elementary years, and adolescence) that would help promote secure attachment.

You are urged to use Capella University’s Writing Center to help you develop clear and effective writing. Through the Writing Center, you will be able to receive feedback on your writing, use writing resources, discover new writing strategies, and explore different ways to draft, revise, edit, and proofread your own work.

If you wish, you may use the APA Paper Template, linked in the Resources, to complete your assignment.

Assignment Requirements

  • Written communication: Ensure that your writing is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
  • APA formatting: Format your paper according to APA style.
  • Number of resources: Use a minimum of two resources (two peer-reviewed journal articles in addition to the textbook).
  • Length of paper: Write 4–6 typed and double-spaced pages.
  • Font and font size: Use Times New Roman, 12 point.

Here is the story on Timothy

TIMOTHY’S STORY

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.