The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding and a working knowledge of both the content and processes of cognitive development in children from birth through eight years of age. The primary foci of the course are understanding (1) different theoretical frameworks for examining sequences and variations in the processes of cognitive change; (2) the interactive relationship between the child and the social context in the course of development; (3) the interrelationship of cognitive development with other aspects of development, particularly language development; and (4) the role of play in the development of cognition and language. Students learn different theories of cognitive development and to recognize their implications for practice with children of differing needs and abilities in a range of programs in culturally diverse settings.