Bright Minds, Busy Bodies: Physical & Intellectual Competence in birth to 5 - post

Children are natural explorers. From stacking blocks to asking “why?” a hundred times a day, their #growth depends on opportunities to move, think, and discover. One of the most exciting competency standards of the Birth-to-5 CDA Credential is Advancing Children’s Physical and Intellectual Competence. This standard is about fostering growth in body and mind—helping children build coordination, curiosity, and confidence as they prepare for school and life.

What does Advancing Children’s Physical and Intellectual Competence really mean?

This competency standard focuses on creating learning experiences that #nurture both physical #development and intellectual growth. It includes:

• Physical skills: Supporting fine motor (small movements like writing, cutting, stacking) and #gross-motor (running, climbing, balancing) abilities.

• Cognitive growth: Encouraging problem-solving, reasoning, and #early STEM skills.

• Communication: Building vocabulary, #language, and #early-literacy through stories, conversations, and songs.

• Creativity: Allowing children to explore art, music, movement, and imaginative #play.

In short: It’s about giving children the tools to move with purpose and think with curiosity.

Why is this standard critical for children’s development?

Physical and intellectual competence doesn’t just prepare kids for kindergarten—it shapes their lifelong abilities:

• Active bodies #lead to active minds: Research shows physical activity enhances brain function, focus, and memory.

• Problem-solving begins early: Puzzles, building blocks, and open-ended questions help children think critically.

• Language is power: Strong communication skills boost self- #expression, literacy, and relationships.

• Creative outlets build confidence: Music, art, and play let children express themselves and manage emotions.

By advancing these skills together, #educators give children the foundation to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

How can educators put this into practice?

Here are some strategies to demonstrate excellence in this CDA competency standard:

• Incorporate movement daily: Dancing, climbing, obstacle courses, or yoga help children build strength and coordination.

• Encourage inquiry: Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen if we add more blocks?”

• Offer diverse materials: Provide #puzzles, art supplies, #books, and STEM manipulatives that appeal to different learners.

• Build language naturally: Narrate activities, read daily, and model rich vocabulary in everyday conversations.

• Blend creativity with learning: Use songs to teach #math-concepts, or encourage drawing to retell a story.

• Observe and adjust: Track #developmental progress and #adapt activities for each child’s needs and strengths.

How does ChildCare Ed help you succeed in this competency?

If you’re preparing for the CDA, ChildCare Ed has the resources you need:

• Enroll in the Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review course to dive deep into practical strategies for advancing both physical and intellectual competence.

• Learn why the CDA is more in demand than ever by reading Why the Birth-to-Five CDA Credential Is Taking off in 2025.

• Stay on track with requirements by downloading the Birth to Five CDA Credential Checklist—a handy guide to completing your training, portfolio, and exam.

What questions should educators ask themselves about this competency?

• Am I providing daily opportunities for children to develop both gross and fine motor skills?

• Do I use open-ended questions to spark children’s problem-solving and reasoning?

• Are books, stories, and conversations a regular part of my #classroom routine?

• How often do I encourage creativity through art, music, and dramatic play?

• Am I observing and documenting progress to tailor experiences to each child’s needs?

Why does mastering this competency benefit educators too?

When educators focus on advancing children’s physical and intellectual skills:

• Classrooms become more engaging and dynamic.

• Children show stronger readiness for kindergarten.

• Families notice and appreciate their child’s progress.

• Educators gain confidence in meeting CDA requirements and building their professional portfolio.

Ready to bring more movement, curiosity, and creativity into your classroom?
Take the next step by enrolling in the Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review course and watch your teaching (and your #students) soar.

Don’t forget to check out Why the Birth-to-Five CDA Credential Is Taking off in 2025 to see why more educators are choosing this path. And be sure to download the Birth to Five CDA Credential Checklist so you don’t miss a single step.

Stay connected!

For more tips, activities, and resources to boost children’s physical and intellectual growth, follow ChildCareEd on social media. Together, we can raise strong, curious, and creative learners!