While arranged in the conventional ages-and-stages format, this text diverges from convention to take a multicultural approach to all facets of development in children from birth to age 8. Every topic is examined through the lens of diversity—from intellectual development to attachment patterns, from peer relations to motor skills. Coverage of atypical development and the challenges of special education is woven seamlessly through each chapter. Throughout the text, case studies and examples provide future teachers with a hands-on guide to how children develop, how children's skills develop, and how that development should inform sensitive, successful teaching practice.