1 Introduction Child Development: Early Stages Through Age 12 will help you understand how to work with and care for children as they grow. It explains how children develop physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Child Development: Early Stages Through Age 12 will also help you apply what you have learned to meet children’s needs in the best possible ways. Children are different from adults. You need to know how children grow and develop to work with them effectively. This text begins by explaining the study of children. It helps you understand why studying child development is important—whether you become a parent, work in a child-related fi eld, or just spend time with children. The text also discusses the choices and preparation involved in becoming a parent. This text takes you from the prenatal stage through the child’s school-age stage of development. The text presents the facts and theories about the child’s development. Many examples are provided to help you apply this information when working with children of all ages. Child Development: Early Stages Through Age 12 helps you explore how family situations affect children. It explores the special needs and concerns of children with special needs. You will also learn about ways to care for children, including play activities, ways to keep children healthy and safe, group programs, and child-related careers.