### Question
How is the term early childhood development defined?


### Answer
The term **early childhood development** is defined in *22 U.S.C. § 2152k* as the following:

> the development and learning of a child younger than 8 years of age, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development and approaches to learning that allow a child to reach his or her full developmental potential

#### Citation:
  - *22 U.S.C. § 2152k*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 32-FOREIGN ASSISTANCE > SUBCHAPTER I-INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT > Part I-Declaration of Policy; Development Assistance Authorizations**

