ABSTRACT
The introductory chapter provides the reader with information about social emotional learning, the developmental stages in early childhood from birth to eight years of age, characteristics about advanced children, and differentiated programming for gifted learners. Details about child development and characteristics are discussed by age groups covering very young children from birth to two years, the toddler years during the ages three to five, and the early elementary child from six to eight years. Information about children who are identified as advanced, high ability, and gifted is also provided with details about the characteristics of young gifted children, as well as cultural considerations about giftedness across cultures and an overview of learning opportunities delivered through programming and services designed to meet the needs of gifted learners. The stage is set to provide specific focus and attention toward the development of young children’s social and emotional needs and learning experiences in the following chapters.
