Child Development: Early Stages Through Adolescence explores the many stages of growth and development that children experience from the prenatal stage through adolescence. Through an in-depth, comprehensive study of children's physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development, students will learn positive ways to care for children and meet their needs during these formative early years. Career information is presented about various child-related occupations, identifying the necessary skills, on-the-job duties, and education requirements needed for achieving success in a child-related career. Developmental Milestone and Developmental Delay charts explain the different milestones children accomplish by certain ages to reinforce what to expect developmentally at each stage of the child's life. Brain studies, 21st Century learning, and mental health risk factors are explored in depth to present current research findings in child development.

The works of major child development theorists, such as Erikson, Piaget, Vygotsky, Gardner, and Kohlberg are featured throughout the text. These examples of renowned work provide important information needed when working with young children. Mental Health Advisories provide information about risk factors, such as toxic stress, to raise awareness of understanding about factors that can contribute to mental health problems throughout life.