Copyright © 2011
by
The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.
Previous editions copyright 2006, 2004, 2000, 1995, 1990, 1988
(Under the title Children: The Early Years by Celia Anita Decker)
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted
in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information
storage and retrieval systems, without the prior written permission of
The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.
Manufactured in the United States of America.
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 2010001417
ISBN 978-1-60525-293-3
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 – 11 – 15 14 13 12 11
The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc. Brand Disclaimer: Brand names, company names, and illustrations for
products and services included in this text are provided for educational purposes only and do not represent or imply
endorsement or recommendation by the author or the publisher.
The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc. Safety Notice: The reader is expressly advised to carefully read,
understand, and apply all safety precautions and warnings described in this book or that might also be indicated
in undertaking the activities and exercises described herein to minimize risk of personal injury or injury to
others. Common sense and good judgment should also be exercised and applied to help avoid all potential
hazards. The reader should always refer to the appropriate manufacturer’s technical information, directions, and
recommendations; then proceed with care to follow specifi c equipment operating instructions. The reader should
understand these notices and cautions are not exhaustive.
The publisher makes no warranty or representation whatsoever, either expressed or implied, including but not
limited to equipment, procedures, and applications described or referred to herein, their quality, performance,
merchantability, or fi tness for a particular purpose. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any changes, errors,
or omissions in this book. The publisher specifi cally disclaims any liability whatsoever, including any direct, indirect,
incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages resulting, in whole or in part, from the reader’s use or
reliance upon the information, instructions, procedures, warnings, cautions, applications, or other matter contained
in this book. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the activities of the reader.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Decker, Celia Anita.
Child development : early stages through age 12 / Celia A. Decker. -- 7th ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-60525-293-3
1. Child development. 2. Child psychology. I. Title.
HQ767.9D43 2011
305.231--dc22
2010001417
Cover Image: Copyright Masterfi le Corporation (RF)