What age range does the "early childhood" stage encompass?

The early childhood stage is characterized by significant physical, cognitive, and emotional development that occurs as children transition from infancy to more independent and complex forms of behavior. This stage typically encompasses the ages of 2 to 6 years, during which children develop essential skills such as language acquisition, socialization, and basic problem-solving abilities.

During early childhood, children begin to engage with their environment more actively, developing autonomy and the ability to interact with peers. They make strides in motor skills and are often very curious about the world around them, which leads to increased exploratory behavior and learning through play. This developmental period is crucial for foundational learning and social interactions that will affect later stages of their growth.

In contrast, the other age ranges presented do not align with the early childhood stage as defined in developmental psychology. Ages 0 to 2 years refer to infancy, which focuses on basic needs and sensory exploration. Ages 6 to 10 years correspond to middle childhood, a time of further cognitive and social development, while ages 10 to 12 years fall under late childhood or early adolescence, which involves more complex social relationships and transitions towards puberty.