ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book seeks to illuminate critical attention to some key issues relating to the period between conceptions to two years. It introduces the complexities of emotional relationships and care approaches between parents, practitioners and infants, attending early childhood educational and care (ECEC) settings. The book aims to provide detail to warrant reflection and a spark for wanting to know more about emotional relationships. It outlines maternity care, health and wellbeing and relational pedagogies of care. Educational and care arrangements in a variety of forms for children from birth to compulsory schooling, regardless of the type of setting, funding, opening hours, or programme content. The book focuses on how developmental care is perceived and the predominant discourse around development and measuring development during prenatal period.
