UNDERSTANDING CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 9th Edition, 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. In this streamlined edition, each section looks at critical social and cultural factors 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 is information about the importance of play and technology in a young child's learning process. Specific NAEYC Program Standards and Accreditation Criteria and Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) guidelines are now highlighted at the beginning of the chapter and with icons throughout the book. New Brain Development boxes focus on relevant brain research, and Child Development in the Real World provides practical applications of key topics. Other topics covered include readiness, assessment, the importance of working with children and families from diverse cultures, and the development of early stages of reading. Throughout the book, real-life examples and anecdotes bring theory and research to life.