Introduction

This accessible guide to child development is for students of degrees and foundation degrees in Early Years, Early Childhood Studies and related disciplines and for early years practitioners.

Key Topics

Introduces the context of child development

Develops an understanding of development and of how early years practitioners can support this

Explores the biological/social debate, and the importance of holistic development

Examines factors affecting development and includes a chapter on reflective practice

Considers the complexity of children′s development and argues that it is not always a straight forward progression

This Fifth Edition

is updated in line with the new EYFS and the updated Development Matters;

is updated to include child development learning from 0-8

includes up-to-date guidance on assessment processes in the Early Years;

includes a new section with key knowledge on well known theories of child development.