ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents reviews of research in the areas of child development that are of particular significance to early childhood education. It focuses on the so-called classical theories, which marked the beginning of the scientific study of cognitive development is presented. The book draws on the executive functions and their cross-cutting nature in the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral self-regulation domains. It considers several issues that have motivated research on young children’s peer relations and the evidence that has been gathered to address these issues. The book reviews the nature of and skills involved in emotional competence, and their interrelation and acquisition during early childhood. It provides a brief overview of an emerging concept of physical literacy, defines motor development, and discusses principles of motor development.
