This book provides a comprehensive yet nontechnical, easy-to-follow guide to children's development. "The purpose of this text can be summed up as follows: to provide a concise overview of developmental principles ; to provide easily accessible information about what to expect at each developmental level ; to suggest appropriate ways for adults to facilitate learning and development during the early years ; to pinpoint warning signs of a possible developmental problem ; to suggest how and where to get help ; to describe cultural and ethnic diversity in terms of its impact on the developmental process ; to emphasize the value of direct observation of children in their natural settings, be it a classroom, a child care program, or the child's own home ; to help adults encourage every child to achieve his or her potential, develop positive sense of self-esteem, and to feel loved and respected."--Page xii.