This book presents findings from current scientific research in child development, highlighting how scientists tackle issues that impact children and their families. The authors have integrated examples of diversity throughout the book, in the domains of physical, psychological and cultural differences, gender, race, ethnicity, and social and economic status. Community and social issues are also covered extensively, which help readers to think critically about their world. As many readers of this book are pursuing careers as teachers, care providers or parents, the authors focus the material on these real-world applications, and demonstrate how theory and research matter for what readers need in their own lives. For those involved in the fields of early childhood education.