Which stage of Piaget's development theory occurs from birth to 18-24 months?

The stage of development that occurs from birth to 18-24 months is known as the sensorimotor stage. This stage is characterized by the way infants learn about the world primarily through their senses and motor activities. During this period, children explore their environment, learn to coordinate their movements, and begin to understand object permanence — the awareness that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

In this stage, infants develop critical cognitive abilities such as the ability to distinguish between themselves and the external world, and they start to engage in simple problem-solving behaviors. The development during this phase lays the foundation for future cognitive growth as children begin to form more complex thought processes in subsequent stages.

Understanding the sensorimotor stage is essential for educators and caregivers, as it highlights the importance of sensory experiences and physical interaction with the environment in the early learning process.