Family Resources
Carousel’s management, education, and clinical staff provides information and referrals, public awareness and outreach, education, and training for students with developmental disabilities, families of children with special needs, professionals and other community members who assist them so that they can make informal choices regarding support, services and life options.
Our staff is committed to providing services with a spirit of compassion and respect for individuals and families while honoring the diverse cultural values of the South Central Los Angeles, Westside, Harbor and Lanterman Regional Center communities and all referring school districts.
Toddlerhood
From 18 months to 3 years old, toddlers work is their playpen. Curious, active, runs, climbs, develops language – becomes more social. Lacks self-control, and begins the age of separation. Craves independence from parents, but fears being abandoned.
Two Years: The 2 year old is more balanced and has more mastery over himself and the environment. Has more of an ability to wait and generally is more manageable. Loving and responsible.
Two and a Half Years: The tantrum age. Rigid, stubborn and resisting. Likes rituals and doing the same thing over and over. Yes/No; I will/I won’t/I don’t want it reveals the inner conflict.
The play age
From three to six years old, children focus on mastering themselves and their environment, and they prepare to go to school. Becomes more social, and begins playing more with friends and going to friend’s homes. Intermittent sharing behaviors (don’t expect too much). Moves from being parent-centered to being self-centered.
Three Years: The calm after the storm. Much more cooperative, charming and feels much more secure. Likes new words and to be around friends, and may even be willing to share a toy.
Three and a Half Years: A tremendous change with signs of marked insecurity and physically uncoordinated. Tension outlets include biting nails, sucking their thumb, blinking eyes.
Four Years: The key words are vigor and expansiveness. They run way in front of you on a walk and are known to break things (accidently), and language can be abrasive and startling. Line between fact and fiction very thin. The insecure 3 ½ year old becomes a daring and exploring 4 year old.
Four and a Half Years: Focuses on what’s “really real”. More focused, and is less wild than at four, but also can exhibit more moodiness and withdrawn behaviors.
Five Years: The wonderful age – “Too good to be true” say some parents. Cooperative, loves mom and dad and family; satisfied with self, contented, reliable and stable.