Studying early childhood development in a diverse world -- Historical perspectives and research in early childhood development -- Theories of child development -- Genetics, prenatal development, and birth -- The newborn -- Infant physical growth and brain development -- Cognitive development in infancy -- Infant language and literacy -- Infant social and emotional development -- Preschool physical and motor development -- Cognitive development in the preschool years -- Symbolic thought : play, language, and literacy in the preschool years -- Social and emotional development of preschoolers -- Physical growth and motor development in the primary years -- Cognition and schooling -- Language, literacy, and schooling -- Social and emotional development in the primary years -- Parents, families, and children : a multicultural perspective