ABSTRACT
In this chapter interactions, experiences and the environment have been examined in relation to how they can best support the needs of the developing child.
The chapter shows that there is a significant body of research to indicate that the foundation years, between 0 and 5, are critically important for children and the building blocks for life. During the foundation years children’s healthy development and early education opportunities are influencing factors that make a big difference to children’s future outcomes.
This chapter examines part of this period between ages 2 and 3, when children’s development is notably accelerated in areas such as language and communication, physical movement and social and emotional interactions. These areas have been described as the prime areas of development in the Early Years Foundation Stages of communication and language, physical developmental, and personal, social and emotional development.
