Covering children ages 2 to 5, this text demonstrates how the basic developmental characteristics of children ages two to five influence instructional planning, curriculum, and expectations. It contains current, complete, and useful information in guiding and educating young children. The author seeks to correct misinformation about the importance of the early years of a child's life by identifying key developmental theories and giving numerous examples of tasks, games, and activities to help the reader apply the information through directed principles.