Overview of Early Childhood and Development (Ages 4 to 8)

Early childhood is a critical time in child development. Children vary in how they develop physical, intellectual, social, and emotional skills. As a result of these variabilities, developmental psychologists suggested theories on early childhood development stages and when children should reach different levels. Seminal theories include those by Freud, Piaget, Erikson, Pavlov, Skinner, Watson, Bandura, and Vygotsky. From these theories, scientists created developmental domains (cognitive, socioemotional, motor, and language skills) to determine children’s school readiness in early childhood. When children struggle in one or more developmental domains, they need interventions and may be eligible for special education services. When teaching young children, educators need to consider the Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices and the high-leverage practices in special education.