Students of early childhood education need a foundation in infant and child development if they are to appreciate, understand, and apply the theories, principles, and practices of the field. Introduction to Infant and Child Development in Early Childhood Education integrates the fundamentals of infant and child development with real-world examples and illustrations of problems and dilemmas, developmentally appropriate practices, and professional standards for quality in early childhood education. Students are introduced to basic principles and concepts of scholarly research, which provide a foundation for examining physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development during infancy and the preschool years. Individual topics covered include theories of human development, prenatal care and development, nutrition in infancy and early childhood, cognitive development and language development in infancy and toddlerhood, social and emotional learning, physical development in infancy and early childhood, adverse childhood experiences, and much more. Throughout the text, key terms, chapter review questions, and authentic assessment activities enrich the reading and learning experience. Linking developmental topics to relevant standards and practices of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Introduction to Infant and Child Development in Early Childhood Education is an exemplary resource for courses and programs in early childhood education.
