Continuity in development suggests:

Continuity in development refers to the concept that development is a smooth, gradual process where skills and abilities build on one another over time. The idea suggests that early experiences and learning create a foundation that supports and influences later development. This cumulative effect illustrates how progress in one area can lead to advances in other areas, reflecting a steady trajectory of growth and improvement.

For instance, when children learn to crawl, this not only demonstrates a physical milestone but also enhances their cognitive skills as they explore their environment. Through consistent experiences and interactions, children can acquire more complex skills, resulting in their overall developmental progression being interconnected and continuous rather than sporadic or disjointed.

The other concepts, while they capture different aspects of development, do not align with the idea of continuity. Distinct steps may imply stage theory, where development happens in separate phases rather than through gradual accumulation. Random growth patterns negate the structured progression of skills, and attributing only early development as influencing later stages overlooks the ongoing impact of experiences throughout a person's life. Thus, the notion that development involves steady progress with cumulative effects over time is a foundational principle in understanding continuity in child development.