Periods of Development

Hey guys,  there are about 5 periods of development (not stages). These periods are based on approximate age ranges similar to how the 8 stages have age ranges but not quite. These periods are mostly used to explain a child's development from Infancy to Adolescence. The periods are as followed: Prenatal, Infancy, Early Childhood, Middle and Late Childhood, and Adolescence. 

Prenatal Period: Is from the time of conception to birth. This is when the single cell grows into an organism with a brain and behavioral capabilities.

Infancy: the development period that goes from birth to about 18 to 24 months of age. Infancy is when the time is important for the dependence on adults. Psychological activities are starting to begin, like speaking, to coordinate sensations, and physical actions, to think with symbols, and to imitate and learn from others.

Early Childhood: This period infancy ends. This start at about 5 to 6 years old, this can be known as the preschool years. Young children will be able to learn how to be more self-sufficient and to care for themselves. School readiness skills start to develop (following directions, identifying letters, etc.), and they spend a lot of hours playing with peers.

Middle and Late Childhood: This period begins at 6 to 11 years old. This is known as the elementary school years. Children will begin to master the fundamental skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and they are exposed to a larger world as well as culture. 

Adolescence: This is the transition from childhood to early adulthood, ends at 10-12 years old and end at 18 to 22 years old. Adolescence begins with physical changes at a rapid pace. There is a pursuit of independence and an identity are prominent features of this period of development. More time will be spent outside the family.

Source: Santrock, J. W. (2019). Children. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.