ABSTRACT
Within early childhood education, it is important to understand the learning and development of very young children. The early years of a child’s development are highly important for future success and lifelong learning. The early years provide opportunities for individual and collective learning to support development. In this chapter we explore a number of developmental theorists in regards to physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development from birth to the early years of schooling. Within this crucial period, we identify key learning milestones to gauge understanding around continua of progression and learning to support early years learners. We also explore the importance of interactions from different developmental theorists to support positive learning and development over time. Links to early years pedagogy are provided to support positive and sustained early years practices for all children and allow early years educators opportunities to reflect on young children’s learning and development.
