Child Development from Birth to Eight: A Journey through the Early Years

Understanding child development is crucial for all early years practitioners and a sound knowledge of children and their development underpins effective practice.The book presents a detailed and in-depth picture of early years development, particularly of developmental processes and interactions. Rather than focusing on a particular topic, it offers a broad overview from a range of sources including: Developmental, evolutionary and cognitive psychology Biology Sensory information Attachment theory Neuroscience Research linking brain function and emotionsAs well as providing a great insight into the aspects of child development and offering the benefits of a multi-disciplinary approach, the book emphasizes appropriate pedagogical approaches and the implications for adults who work with young children.Child Development from Birth to Eight is essential reading for all early years students and practitioners.

The author's previous book 'From Birth to One – the Year of Opportunity' published in 2003 has been very well received and is now used widely in many training contexts for a range of practitioners. She remains passionately interested in development because of the vulnerability of young children, their reliance on adult care and the amount of crucial learning that takes place in early childhood and wanted to provide information for a wider age range. She has a Masters degree (distinction) in child welfare and protection and her past professional work was in health visiting and teaching in FE (CACHE and allied courses). She subsequently trained as a NVQ assessor and worked for CACHE as a professional development officer before working independently. She now combines lecturing in HE on education, health and social work courses, providing training for early years practitioners, special needs teachers and adopters and conference speaking with her own continuing studies and research.