The Whole Child: Development in the Early Years

• Preface
• Chapter One - Perspectives on Early Childhood
• Chapter Two - Theorists and Theories of Development
• Chapter Three - Domains in Development
• Chapter Four - Brain Development from Conception to Age 8
• Chapter Five - Prenatal Development and Birth
• Chapter Six - Infancy
• Chapter Seven - Toddlers (15 Months to 3 Years)
• Chapter Eight - Early Childhood Development
• Chapter Nine - School Age (5 Years to 8 Years)
• Conclusion

The Whole Child is a textbook that gives an overview of development, beginning in the mother’s womb through the age of eight. It starts with a look at perspectives of early childhood, including how children have been viewed historically as well as cross-culturally. There is a complete overview of the important theorists that have helped to deepen and bring clarity to how children develop. These theories include psychodynamic, behavioral, social cognitive theory, cognitive theory, humanistic, multiple intelligence, growth mindset, and Bloom’s taxonomy. Understanding the implications of each theory is important foundational knowledge for the study of development. Developmental domains at each stage is examined alongside important milestones. The biology of the brain is given important consideration. Some of the many factors that influence a young child’s development are also included in this text.