Early childhood

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Early Childhood

Early childhood (pronunciation: /ˈɜːrli ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/) is a stage in human development. It generally includes toddlerhood and some time afterwards. Play age is an unspecific designation approximately within the scope of early childhood.

Etymology

The term "early childhood" is composed of two words, "early" and "childhood". "Early" originates from the Old English word "ǣrliċe" which means "soon" or "before the expected time", and "childhood" comes from the Old English word "ċildhād" which means "the state of being a child".

Definition

Early childhood is a period of rapid development and learning. It is the time from birth to eight years old. A crucial time in an individual's life, early childhood is when a person begins to develop their cognitive, emotional, and social skills.

Related Terms

  • Child Development: The biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence.
  • Toddler: A child aged between 1 and 3 years old.
  • Preschool: An educational establishment offering early childhood education to children before they begin compulsory education at primary school.
  • Kindergarten: A preschool educational approach traditionally based on playing, singing, practical activities such as drawing, and social interaction as part of the transition from home to school.

Importance

Early childhood is a critical period as it forms the foundation for all future learning and development. During this stage, children learn and develop in environments that provide them with the experiences and interactions necessary to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills.

See Also

External links

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