Developmental profiles provide detailed descriptions of typical developmental patterns for PreK- 12th grade students. These profiles cover five distinct areas of development (physical, emotional, philosophical, social, and intellectual).  The mnemonic PEPSI may help you recall all five areas. The PEPSI profiles help adults who are working with children recognize patterns that contribute to the actions and behaviors of children. Adults who are successful in working with children realize that much of any child’s behavior can be understood by considering the child’s development in a holistic way. 

The PEPSI profiles were developed by Dr. J’Anne Ellsworth who based her work on the research of developmental experts.

• Physical development is the way a child's body grows. (Gessell, Ilg, Ames)
• Emotional development involves the development of a child's personality. (Erikson)
• Philosophical development involves a child's moral reasoning. (Kohlberg)
• Social development is the way a child learns to work, play and interact with other people. (Coopersmith, Loevinger, Kegan, Gessell, Ilg, Maccoby)
• Intellectual development involves a child's thinking abilities. (Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner, Bloom)