How can early childhood professionals ensure that young children have the skills to develop the social relationships they need to succeed? This comprehensive resource puts research and effective strategies within reach as professionals work with children from birth to age 5, especially those who are at risk for or who have social competence difficulties. This volume helps readers: gain a deep and thorough foundation for understanding social competence, examine key influences on social development-family, culture, classroom, and friendships, pinpoint strategies for social interaction interventions specific to different populations, understand the effects of autism, behavioral disorders, communication and language disorders, and severe disabilities on peer interactions and relationships, compare and contrast the efficacy of several well-known commercial programs.