In this comprehensive reference, professionals who provide child care and early interventions services will fully explore the social and emotional development of young children discovering not only how to interact positively with children and families they serve, but also how to influence parent child interactions. Foreword, Acknowledgements, Introduction: Starting on the Pathway, Understanding Early Child Development and Temperament, Helping Children Develop Body Control and a Positive Body Image, Developing a Secure Attachment, Encouraging Play and Imagination, Encouraging Language and Communication, Laying a Foundation for Positive Self Esteem, Discipling to Encourage Self Regulation and Morality and a Sense of Conscience, Encouraging Emotion Regulation, Encouraging Concentration and Planning and Problem Solving, Encouraging Social Competence and Empathy and Caring Behavior, Epilogue: Putting Pieces Together, Index.