Social class or socioeconomic status greatly impacts child development and student achievement outcomes. It is well documented in educational and child development research that there is a significant achievement gap between children of economically stable backgrounds and economically disadvantaged environments. This article is a wholistic review of the available research from educational and developmental standpoints to provide an in-depth understanding of the struggles faced by children living in poverty. Research thus far has been reactionary to development in impoverished circumstances, this article proposes further research is needed to effectively understand the developmental milestones which may protect impoverished children and predict achievement from the serious hazards of growing up in poverty.