This accessible guide to Child Development is specifically aimed at students on Early Childhood Studies & Early Years courses. The text begins by examining the context of early childhood today & goes on to look at childrens development in detail including comprehensive development charts for reference. It considers the biological/social debate in child development holistic development & factors affecting development. Finally the text makes essential links between theory & practice helping the reader understand how to apply their learning in a real-life setting. Throughout activities are included to help the reader interact with the text to gain a better understanding.