THE ESSENTIALS OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT is a concise, chronologically organized text that incorporates a solid research base with a strong multicultural focus, applications to the lives of real children, and an accessible presentation. Essentials of Child Development illustrates the cognitive, psycho-social, and physical development of children in the context of today's society. The Sixth Edition includes increased coverage of the role of adults in the lives of children with expanded discussions of the applied and practical implications of developmental research for parenting, teaching, nursing, etc.

►Comprehensive, yet concise coverage of current issues, topics, and scholarly research. The text has been thoroughly updated to reflect current research, theories, and applications.​

►A broad range of examples and applications. The examples and applications presented throughout the text increase the relevance of key concepts and issues for a wide range of students.

►A critical research approach. All material is based on a firm understanding of current research in the field, balancing the inclusion of classic and re­cent studies and presenting research in a manner that is accessible to students.

►An accessible and relevant text that offers a unique narrative, The natural and relaxed writing style promotes the sense of a conversation between the authors and the reader, facilitating student engagement with the content.​​

►Contemporary design with a rich illustration program. Numerous graphs, fig­ures, and tables reinforce the text discussions by pro­viding a visual guide to key concepts.

►Student-friendly pedagogy and features. Each chapter contains a wealth of in-text study aids: chapter outlines, focusing questions, on-page key term definitions, box inserts ("Focusing On...", "Working With" Interviews, and "A Multicultural View"), comprehensive chapter reviews, and much more.​​​

►Complete Instructor's Support Package. Instructor's Resource Manual, Test Item File, PowerPoint Lecture Slides, and Online Video Labs with Student Worksheets.