An Introduction To Early Childhood

'This is an interesting, comprehensive and up-to-date book, which will be useful not just for students, but for experienced practitioners who want to gain a broader, more strategic understanding of the development of early childhood services' - Early Years Update 'This is a stimulating, well-structured book with excellent references to further relevant research. I am confident students will find this a meaningful key text in their study of early childhood, early years leadership and every aspect of early years education and practice' - Denise Corfield, Edge Hill University Covering the major themes of early childhood education and care, this new edition of a popular book has been updated to cover recent developments in the early years field. Linking theory and practice, it covers Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), the National Professional Qualification for Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL) and the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Where appropriate, account is taken of the regional differences between policy and practice in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Chapters look at: children's rights; protecting and safeguarding children; inclusive practice for children with special educational needs; collaborative practice across education, health and social work; child health; appropriate ways to study and gain knowledge of children; theories of modern childhood; children's learning; and international perspectives. There are 5 entirely new chapters on: - working with families - children's well-being - outdoor play and learning - understanding diversity - workforce development and professionalism. With lots of helpful features such as chapter objectives, questions for reflection and discussion and recommended further reading, this new edition also includes: - extra case studies - useful websites - a glossary of key terms. Essential reading for students new to Early Childhood Studies, this book will be a useful source of references and further reading throughout any early years degree programme.

Ensure children of all backgrounds can thrive with an intercultural approach to early childhood education In a multicultural society such as Canada’s, early childhood educators work with children and families from a diverse mix of ethnicities, religions, languages, abilities, and lifestyles. Diversity enriches the experience of children and educators alike in these environments, but it can also present challenges in supporting each child’s growth and learning. In Introduction to Early Childhood Learning and Care, early learning specialists Carole Massing and Mary Lynne Matheson present an intercultural perspective as a foundation of equitable outcomes in early childhood education, but just what does that look like? An intercultural approach involves the respectful exchange of ideas between people from diverse backgrounds, leading to mutual trust and deeper relationships. Guided by a diverse team of reviewers, this book examines the concepts, approaches, and strategies that every early childhood educator needs to know to provide sensitive, culturally responsive care for children and their families. Topics include: - The theoretical bases for an intercultural approach to early childhood education and care - The factors that impact a child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development - How to create environments that enhance children’s wellbeing and affirm their identity - How to support children’s creativity, literacy, and inquiry skills through an intercultural lens - The skills, responsibilities, and challenges of working as an early childhood educator

′An excellent text which offers students a rounded view of early years in the context of political agendas, while still maintaining the child at the centre of provision and understanding.′ - Stephanie Evans, University of Cumbria ′Fully up-to-date with an accessible layout and style and a balance between current research, theory and practice, this new edition will prove to be a valuable resource for all students and practitioners.′ - Jan Marks, Senior Lecturer, Early Years, University of Chester ′This should be a key text for all studying and teaching in the field of early years.′ - Ioanna Paliologou, Centre for Educational Studies, University of Hull This new edition of an iconic book examines the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood from a variety of disciplines and international perspectives, making essential links between theory and practice to help you apply your learning in real-life settings. Key additions: New chapters on cultural-historical child development and childhood in a digital age Renewed emphasis on reflective practice across Part 4, supporting and encouraging your professional development New Reflection Points encourage deeper discussion and critical reflection, ideal for testing your understanding The latest on changes in early years policy and practice Throughout, case studies, exercises and links to further reading help you engage with key issues and test your learning, making it easier for you to get to grips with all aspects of your course.

This new edition of this bestselling textbook examines the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood from a variety of disciplines and international perspectives, making essential links between theory and practice to help you apply your learning in real-life settings. Key additions include: the latest changes in early years policy 2 brand new chapters on Postmodernist theories in Education, and Education for Sustainable Development A renewed emphasis on reflective practice across Part 4, supporting and encouraging your professional development Throughout, case studies, exercises and links to further reading help you engage with key issues and test your learning, making it easier for you to get to grips with all aspects of your course.

Armed with the mantra knowledge before action, this introduction to early childhood education allows teachers to first understand the development of the whole child and then to plan an environment and curriculum that will allow them to learn and thrive. Using a largely developmental approach, this first edition text explores both time-honored theories of early childhood development and current models and modern research in the field. Part One of the text discusses the history and theories of childhood development, while Part Two instructs teachers how to support children's emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. The final section of the book explains how to assessment and guidance to support children and how to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum in the classroom. This text is supplemented with a number of features and ancillaries that make learning easier for students and teaching easier for instructors. Students will benefit from the many boxed activities and aides as well as by the online features contained in MyEducationLab. Teachers may take advantage of the online instructors' guide, online test back, numerous videos, and PowerPoint slides.

Each chapter contains summaries of key points, and directs readers towards further reading for continued study.

Introduction to Early Childhood Education: A Canadian Perspective introduces students new to ECE to the field. The learner is introduced to children, their families, childcare settings and Canadian philosophical approaches through the use of photographs and real-world scenarios. Great care has been taken to accurately represent the diversity of Canadian culture. The photographs are inclusive of most cultures in Canada both visible and non-visible and from urban, rural, and isolated locations throughout the country. Readers of this text will work towards developing the relevant skills needed to work with children. In order to make skill development easier to understand and apply, these skills have been presented in the context of children, their families, children's environments and legislative requirements.