This illustrated guide charts all the stages of a child's development from birth to eight years. It covers physical, cognitive and social development and enables a picture of a child's development to be built up over time. It is a reference guide for all students on early years care courses and should help them understand the different stages of development as well as improving their observation skills. Each stage of development is described briefly with text and fully exemplified with colour photographs. Each section covers physical, sensory, cognitive/language, social and emotional development which will help students to develop their observation skills. Useful suggestions for promoting development follow each age band. Exercises and observation tasks at the end of each section will help reinforce learning. Should be useful for those studying NVQ and SVQ Early Years Care and Education at levels 2 and 3, CACHE awards - Caring for Young Children, CCE and Diploma in Nursery Nursing, BTEC First and National in Early years, City and Guilds Progression Awards.