Focuses on child development and play as a learning principle Birth to Big School is written to support delivery of the CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Part of the Working in Early Childhood Education and Care series, it provides a practical introduction to early childhood development. This edition covers the following key points: an introduction to concepts and principles relating to child development, and looks at play as a learning strategy for young children physical development, including gross and fine motor skills cognitive development, language and communication and literacy skills development of the closely related social and emotional domains, including key developments such as trust, attachment, autonomy and self-esteem the provision of appropriate play environments and experiences that support childrens development and learning, including an introduction to observing and documenting childrens learning the key elements of a quality early childhood program