What aspect does 'normative development' primarily focus on?

Normative development primarily focuses on common patterns among children. This concept refers to the typical milestones and stages that children go through as they grow and develop. Understanding normative development helps educators and caregivers establish what constitutes expected growth in various domains such as cognitive, emotional, and physical areas. By recognizing these common patterns, educators can gauge whether a child is developing in line with age-related expectations and identify when a child might benefit from additional support. This approach emphasizes the understanding of child development in a broad, average context across populations rather than focusing solely on individual differences or cultural variations.