Understanding Babies and Young Children from Conception to Three: A guide for students, practitioners and parents

Written to support early years' professionals as they seek to understand the earliest influences in children's lives, Christine Macintyre explores the process from conception and birth through to the newborn child, discussing issues surrounding early attachment and bonding, and subsequent key areas in a young child's development including movement, communication, language and learning.Based upon exhaustive research in this field, but disseminating it in a way that is relevant and lively to practitioners and students alike, the text is organised in a question and answer format for quick and easy referencing, making clear throughout the links with previous academic studies. The author also suggests research questions and areas of action research that may be carried out in the course of study or ongoing professional development.Topics explored and demystified, include:In depth discussion of children's' genetic blueprints' incorporating detailed investigation of the nature versus nuture debatethe development of movement, its pervasive nature and its importance in supporting all other aspects of development.The process of attachment and the development of communicationHow language evolves, and the different viewpoints on the acquisition of languageUnderstanding the needs of looked after childrenThis book will help those who work with children or who are studying formal qualifications in early years education to understand and engage with the complexities of early development.