This textbook and professional reference offers early interventionists clear information on the proper development of young children as well as risk factors and environmental circumstances that can hinder a child's development.This comprehensive work covers prenatal and perinatal periods; early detection and identification of developmental delays or disorders, and diseases; social factors of development (e.g. cultural diversity, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy); and best practice in specific to clinical educational environments. The volume provides information and resources for preservice and in-service professional development and discusses an extensive, up-to-date range of topics in early childhood development and practice.