Physical development and health in early childhood Introduction Studies have shown that experiences in the early years of life are significant in the child physical and health development and also learning. The way in which a child develops at this stage influences future social, emotional, cognitive and physical development which affects school performance and success in later life. Early childhood is the age between the time a child is born up to 6 years of age and this is the time that there is evidence of tremendous development. During this stage, a child passes through 2 stages i.e. infancy and toddlerhood and they are the ones that make up early childhood (Young, 2003).