What does the principle of cephalocaudal development imply?

The principle of cephalocaudal development describes a pattern in which physical development occurs from the head downward through the body. This means that during the early stages of growth, areas near the head (such as the brain and sensory organs) develop before parts farther away, such as the legs and feet. This is evident in infant development, where infants are able to control their head and face movements before they gain control over their torso and limbs. Understanding this principle is crucial for educators and caregivers, as it helps them set realistic developmental expectations for young children and positions them to support developmental milestones appropriately.