UNDERSTANDING CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 8/E, introduces the unique qualities of the young child as distinguished from older children and demonstrates how to work with young children in ways that correspond with their individual developmental level and social and cultural environment. The text also offers an opportunity for in-service teachers to evaluate their views of young children and compare their views with those presented in the text. In each section, critical social and cultural factors are related to young children's development; factors relevant to working with children with special needs are integrated throughout. Popular theoretical views of learning are included, as well as information about the importance of play and technology in a young child's learning process. Other areas covered include developmentally appropriate practice, readiness, assessment, the importance of working with children and families from diverse cultures, the development of early stages of reading, and the importance of brain development. Throughout the text, real-life examples and anecdotes bring theory and research to life. TeachSource Video Cases, available on the Premium Website, provide an inside look at real classrooms, teachers, and children at various stages of development.