In this important book, experts from diverse fields bring together the latest research to give you the facts about critical periods—what is known, what is thought to be known, and what is not yet known. You'll find out how critical periods relate to a young child's visual system, social and emotional development, language acquisition, and early childhood education. Through this comprehensive discussion from the perspectives of neuroscience, child development, and education, you'll be able to distinguish fact from theory, to understand what critical periods are—and are not—and to create new strategies and policies to help improve children's development and education.