Understanding Children's Development looks at how and why children develop, and how they are influenced by the people and events in their lives. The fourth edition of this classic text has been completely revised, bringing new theoretical concepts into the New Zealand context. The book examines theories of development and learning, the importance of early experience, intelligence and assessment, and the family. The development of social behaviour, gender roles, language and thinking are also covered. The question of mainstreaming - the integration of children with special educational needs into regular preschools and classrooms - is addressed in a chapter by Keith Ballard