Despite the wide array of theoretical frameworks and research in the discipline of child development, there is dearth of guidance to implement that knowledge in real world settings. The book bridges the gap between theory and practice and successfully presents the integration of psychology, sociology and public health of early childhood development in the much-needed cross cultural context of the developing countries. The book takes this interdisciplinary approach a step further, and provides a detailed account to conceptualize and implement community based programmes to achieve optimal early childhood development. The text is developed on the belief that organised effort to ensure a better future for our children requires a basic understanding of principles of their growth and development, and skills to scientifically observe them. This book will help child development practitioners, advocates, students and even caregivers who need further understanding for their individual and collective endeavours. The first section describes the domains of child development while highlighting the importance of social environment. The second section emphasizes assessment and observation of different aspects of child development; the third section gives guidelines to implement initiatives that can ensure a child's survival, optimum growth and development at neighbourhood and community level. The final section is focused on the training needs of the themes cross referenced throughout the book.
