Assignment
Discuss the key aspects of Early Years child development in the contexts of providing support an appropriate child care setting

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This essay will look at the key aspects of early Years child development in the contexts of providing support in an appropriate child care setting.
The early years of a child’s life are the most important in terms of their general well-being, their emotional and social development, and their physical, intellectual and emotional growth. Bruce and Meggitt, (1999) claim that children learn more in the first five years than in the whole of their lives, thus supporting the importance of good quality early intervention in a child’s learning and development.
As children grow and develop in a myriad of ways there are several theories of child development, each suggesting that children develop in a similar way, yet each also stresses that different parts of development are of primary importance. Maslow (1970) cited in Hartley-Brewer (1998) believes that children cannot learn and develop until their basic needs are met such as food, warmth and security. When these are met then a child must feel safe and secure before they can learn which according to Maslow (1970) is high up the ladder of needs before they reach the top which is self-actualisation. Geraghty (1988) suggests “love, security, consistency and continuous affection, and opportunities for independence lead to a positive self-image” (p.104)
As a Sure Start practitioner I agree with Bruner (1993) who states that “parents are a child’s first educator” (p.206) and I will often discuss with the parents the development of their child. This often occurs in unpredictable stages and is a process of change in which the child learns to master increasingly complex levels of moving, thinking, feelings and relationships with others. Although each child will progress at