Advanced Early Years

This core textbook for foundation degrees covers the content of the 12 core outcomes at the appropriate depth and breadth giving students a complete grounding in the basics of the subject.

Inspired by the first-hand experiences of those studying early childhood education and care, this book supports students as they gain advanced knowledge and skills, and embark on the journey from inexperienced student to graduate professional. Bringing together advanced theory, links to research, and illustrative case studies, Advanced Work-based Practice in the Early Years enables students to consolidate learning by applying theory to practice and identifying the skills, knowledge and personal traits which will help them succeed as a graduate practitioner. Chapters address a wealth of topical issues relating to both the development of the child and the student’s own professional development. Areas of focus include ethical practice, safeguarding and child protection, the voice of the child, the role of the mentor, observation, assessment and the social and cultural factors which may impact on a child’s development. Including reflective activities, practical tips, and examples of student experience throughout, this is an essential text for all early years students as they make the transition from academic study to professional practice.

Offers information that students need at Levels 4 and 5. This book includes recommendations for further reading. It is suitable for sector-endorsed Early Years Foundation Degrees, NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development and other comparable qualifications.

′This book is a very useful resource for setting leaders undertaking advanced study, such as Early Years Professional Status and the National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership...[I]t is also an interesting and up-to-date reference tool for qualified managers and leaders of early years settings, large and small, in all sectors′ - Early Years Update ′Through discussion points and case studies, the authors explore the key skills and techniques necessary to effectively lead and manage an early years setting - Nursery Education Plus, as part of their ′Ten of the Best early years professional books′ feature. `This book will make a relevant and helpful contribution in enabling practitioners to explore and understand the different ways in which they can lead and manage across a diverse range of settings and at different levels. Through helpful discussion points and case studies, the book will encourage practitioners to consider both theory and practice, including value based practice and the skills required for working within a new multi-disciplinary environment. A welcome and accessible text for early years practitioners facing the challenges and demands of this new agenda′ - Professor Linda Miller, Professor of Early Years, The Open University Firmly grounded in practice, this book puts children and families at the centre of good early years leadership. There is now considerable emphasis on leadership skills in this sector, as the workforce becomes increasingly professionalized. The following are considered: - changes and developments within the early years sector - the impact of good leadership on children and their families - effective practice in a variety of settings, including Children′s Centres - value-based leadership, and inspirational leadership - meeting the challenges - managing change - inter-agency and multi-disciplinary working - working with families and parent groups. Useful features such as Activities for Continuing Professional Development, Questions for Reflection and Pictures of Practice appear throughout the book. Those studying for Foundation Degrees, leaders undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL), those undertaking the management modules for Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) and anyone studying Childhood and Early Childhood will find this book an invaluable aid.

This book illuminates the complexities of social and emotional learning (SEL) during early childhood and provides readers with supportive tools to enhance and advance social and emotional skills among young children within their homes and classrooms. Affective development is critical to childhood development – this guide gives parents and educators concrete strategies to support students’ social skills, relationship development, and positive mental health. Expertly blending theory with practice, Social and Emotional Learning for Advanced Children in Early Childhood: Birth to 8 presents vital background information, real-life examples, diverse case studies, discussion questions, and action steps for implementing SEL into any early childhood environment. By including both what is understood about social and emotional development in early childhood as well as the proven methods and approaches for working with young children, this comprehensive guide is a must read for all adults striving to make a positive impact in early childhood development.

‘I would recommend this book to students and trainees who wish to extend their knowledge and understanding of early years practice beyond level 3. This book is accessible, up to date and focuses on translating theory into practice, incorporating the essential higher order skill of reflection. The pedagogical foundations within place children firmly at the centre, whilst acknowledging the highly influential early years practitioner in the wider context of family, community and inclusive practice.’ Sarah Barton, Senior Lecturer and EY ITT Programme Leader, School of Education and Continuing Studies, University of Portsmouth Are you studying to become an early years teacher or educator, or studying for an early years degree, and looking for a book to guide you through your qualification? With stories of practice, questions for reflection, further reading and links to the Teachers’ Standards (Early Years), this book links professional practice with theory and research and will help you: · understand how children learn and develop · engage with the curriculum and the practice of teaching · learn more about the structure and reality of early years provision and practice for children aged from 0–8 years · develop ways to reflect upon your practice · develop professional skills and attributes needed to take a leading role · understand how to apply all of this to practice. This core textbook is ideal for students of early years and early childhood courses and will support you in your practice in the early years.

Bringing together the essential theory, research and policy with examples from practice, Work-based Practice in the Early Years: A Guide for Students provides a complete guide to successful work placements for early years students. It makes links to the Occupational Standards for the Early Years Educator and the Teacher Standards for early years, and integrates examples of effective, universal and inclusive practice throughout. Following an overview of the research and policy context which has shaped the sector since the 1990s, this new text is designed to prepare and support you, the student, as you embark on your placement, which is an integral part of your early years degree. It covers the key information you need about safeguarding and the curriculum frameworks, EYFS and the National Curriculum KS1, alongside chapters on reflective practice and research to support your developing professional and practical skills. Written with the student in mind, this book draws on first-hand student experiences and introduces the idea of working towards being a leader of practice and the wider role in working with parents and families. This comprehensive guide also considers the views of placement providers, examining the roles and responsibilities of both the student and provider, and offering insight into their expectations and what factors make a work placement successful. Including reflective activities, students' views and evidence from student portfolios, this is an essential text for all early years’ students undertaking their work placement.