Astrocytes have long been forgotten entities in our quest to understand brain function. Over the last few decades there has been an exponential increase in our knowledge of CNS function and consequently astrocytes have emerged as key figures in CNS physiology and disease. Indeed, several pediatric neurological disorders have recently been linked to astrocyte dysregulation including, leukodystrophies, autism spectrum disorders, and epilepsy. Given that pediatric disorders are rooted in developmental processes, the goal of this review is to catalog what we know about astrocyte development and function in the developing CNS. Moreover, we will highlight current challenges and questions that remain in the field of astrocyte development. Our hope is that this review will illuminate the potential of astrocytes and their associated developmental and physiological functions as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurological disorders.