Child Development Associate (CDA) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Functional Area Two focuses on promoting children's physical and intellectual development. This area emphasizes the importance of fostering both physical growth, such as gross and fine motor skills, and intellectual development, which includes cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Understanding this area is crucial for educators and caregivers because healthy physical development supports overall well-being and enhances a child's ability to engage with their environment intellectually.

Promoting physical development involves activities that encourage movement, coordination, and strength, while intellectual development encompasses experiences that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking. Together, these elements create a strong foundation for children’s future learning and social interactions. Recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and intellectual growth is essential in early childhood education, as they often influence one another.