Child Development Associate (CDA) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

A child displaying unusual behavior and academic struggles is often indicative of emotional distress. This can manifest in various ways, such as withdrawal from activities they previously enjoyed, difficulty concentrating in school, or a decline in academic performance. These changes in behavior and academic engagement suggest that the child may be facing challenges that affect their emotional well-being.

Children typically express emotional states through their actions and interactions, and when they exhibit behaviors that deviate from their norm along with struggles in their academic work, it can signal underlying issues that require attention. Understanding this connection between emotional health and behavior is crucial for caregivers and educators to provide appropriate support and intervention.

In contrast, excelling academically, frequently expressing happiness, or engaging positively with peers generally indicate that a child is functioning well emotionally. These behaviors suggest a degree of emotional stability and well-being, making them less likely indicators of distress.