Final answer:
States are mandated to implement services for children in early childhood settings typically around the age of 5 or 6, which is when formal schooling generally begins. This coincides with regulations on school attendance, child labor laws, and public school vaccination requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Age Mandates for Early Childhood Services:
In the United States, early childhood services and regulations are impacted by various mandates and laws that dictate when children must begin formal education or can be employed. For example, the U.S. government mandates that all children attend school, often starting around the age of 5 or 6, which aligns with the beginning of compulsory education in many states. This period is also a critical time for childhood vaccinations, which are required for attendance in public schools, as evidenced by strict laws in states like West Virginia and Mississippi. Employment regulations, such as the federal law passed in 1938, restrict child labor and encourage schooling by setting a minimum working age and limiting work hours for children ages 14-16. The age at which states must implement services for children in early childhood settings therefore usually corresponds to the commencement of formal schooling, around 5 or 6 years old, though this can vary depending on individual state regulations.
The development of children during early childhood, from ages one to five, involves numerous cognitive and physical milestones that are foundational for later learning and socialization. Early childhood is broadly categorized into toddlerhood (ages one to three) and preschool years (ages three to five). Services in early childhood settings are designed to nurture and support these developmental milestones and ensure a smooth transition into formal schooling.