What are the expected effects of lower quality care on child development?

Lower quality care can significantly impact a child’s development, leading to more behavioral problems and lower cognitive performance. When children receive inadequate care, including insufficient emotional support, poor nutrition, and lack of stimulating interactions, they may struggle with emotional regulation and social interactions. This can manifest as increased aggression, anxiety, or withdrawal, which are forms of behavioral problems.

Additionally, a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment is crucial during early childhood for cognitive development. Without quality care, children may not receive the necessary exposure to learning experiences that promote critical thinking, language skills, and problem-solving abilities, ultimately resulting in lower cognitive performance. Thus, B accurately reflects the expected consequences of lower quality care on child development, highlighting the importance of supportive and enriching environments for healthy growth and learning.