Section 3.2 Postnatal development

2. Early childhood (2-6 years)

Early childhood is the period that follows infancy, typically spanning from about two to six years of age. It is a vital stage of rapid growth and development in which children become more independent, improve their motor and language skills, and begin to form social relationships outside the family. During this time, curiosity, imagination, and play play a central role in learning, laying the foundation for later academic and emotional development.

The following are characteristics of early childhood period.