Early childhood
Early childhood is the period from birth through roughly age eight, when physical, cognitive, social, and emotional capacities develop rapidly.
Attachment theory: A theory of how early relationships with caregivers shape emotional bonds and expectations of care. Caregiver bonds are a central part of social and emotional development in these years.
Neuroplasticity: The capacity of the nervous system to change its structure or function through development and experience. Experience can shape developing neural circuits during a period of substantial brain change.
Early childhood education: Organized education and care for young children before or during the early years of formal schooling. Early learning settings shape children’s experiences before and during the transition to school.
Adverse childhood experiences: Potentially traumatic events or conditions during childhood, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Adversity in these years can affect development and health, especially when support is limited.
Infancy: The earliest stage of life, generally extending from birth through the first year. Infancy is the first part of early childhood, with especially rapid physical change.
Language acquisition: The process by which people develop the ability to understand and use language. Rapid language growth makes communication a defining feature of early development.
Sensitive period: A developmental window when experience has an unusually strong influence on a particular ability or system. Some abilities are especially responsive to particular experiences during early development.
Head Start: A United States federal program providing early education, health, nutrition, and family services to eligible children. This program applies a comprehensive service model to support young children and families.
Toxic stress: Prolonged or severe activation of the stress response without adequate protective support. Persistent stress without buffering relationships can disrupt healthy development.
Middle childhood: The developmental period after early childhood and before adolescence, often spanning roughly ages six to twelve. Its overlapping age boundaries highlight that developmental periods are approximate, not universal.