This accessible guide to child development is written for students of degrees and foundation degrees in Early Childhood Studies, Early Years and related disciplines. The text begins by examining the context of 'early childhood' today, and goes on to look at children's development in detail, including comprehensive development charts for reference. It considers the biological/social debate in child development, holistic development and factors affecting development. The text supports the reader to make links between theory and practice. This second edition includes a new chapter introducing a critique of developmentalism and features more case studies, theory focus boxes and activities.