A child’s first five years of life largely determine his or her future developmental trajectory. These early years set the stage for later outcomes in personal health, emotional development, social competence, self-confidence, educational attainment and positive human relationships. Each child develops at his or her own pace. Each has his or her own developmental timetable and priorities. They do not develop in a smooth, linear progression. There are lots of bumps and humps, spurts and lulls. With adequate support, they usually get right back on the forward track.