Child Development: A Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum Approach

Child Development (Second Edition) offers a clear, practical, and research-based introduction to how children grow, learn, and develop from birth through adolescence. Designed for college students, early childhood educators, childcare professionals, and anyone working with children and families, this book bridges developmental science with a developmentally appropriate curriculum approach that prepares readers for real-world practice.

Grounded in current research and aligned with best practices in early childhood education, this edition helps readers understand how physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development unfold—and how thoughtful curriculum design can support each stage.

• How children develop across all major domains from infancy through adolescence

• How to apply developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) to curriculum planning

• The roles of culture, family, and community in shaping children’s learning

• How theories from Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Bronfenbrenner inform teaching

• Practical strategies for supporting attention, play, language, and socioemotional growth

• Ways to design learning environments that nurture curiosity and independence

• How to connect developmental milestones with classroom applications

• Updated research across all developmental domains

• Expanded cultural perspectives and family-centered approaches

• Improved organization and smoother chapter flow

• New visuals, examples, and real-world applications

• Clearer links between theory, development, and curriculum design

Accessible, engaging, and ideal for both college courses and professional development, Child Development (2nd Edition) equips readers with the knowledge and tools needed to understand children deeply and support their growth with confidence and care.