Child Development: The Developing Child, Communicating Skilfully, and Nurturing Competent Learners

Babies and children develop in individual ways at varying rates. Every area of development - physical, cognitive, linguistic, spiritual, social and emotional - is equally important. Child Development focuses on three key areas of the developing child, the child as a skilful communicator and, the child as competent learner. It covers key issues such as the impact of nature and nurture on children's development, factors which put development at risk and which support children's development, and the effect of emotional wellbeing and cultural influences on young children's development. Each section includes case studies, checklists for monitoring practice, ideas for developing effective practice, insights into related theories and research and points for reflection or discussion.

Nicole Halton is a passionate early childhood professional with over 20 years of hands-on experience in just about every role you can imagine: from educator and director to author, consultant, approved provider and resource developer. Nicole has made it her mission to help educators rediscover the joy and wonder of childhood through nature play, slow pedagogy, and authentic connection with children.

Since co-founding Inspired EC in 2008, Nicole has inspired countless educators across Australia and beyond with her workshops, books and resources, always encouraging them to embrace the messiness, adventure, and magic that comes with working with young children. When she's not delivering a training session or putting together a new blog post for the Inspired EC blog, you will typically find Nicole with her head in a book or exploring the outdoors with her family.