Early Childhood Education: Birth - 8: The World of Children, Families, and Educators, 4th Edition

Through case studies, theory and journal reflection activities, students learn to integrate new concepts and best practices for young children with their own experiences.

All Chapter include “A Closer Look,” “Principles and Insights: Summary and Review,” and “Becoming an Early Childhood Professional: Your Professional Portfolio and Your Professional Library”

 

1. What Is Early Childhood Education?

Building a Community of Early Childhood Professionals

Exploring the Options in Early Childhood Education: Programs and Roles

What Do Early Childhood Educators Need to Know and Be Able to Do?

History of Early Childhood Education and the Profession

2. The Wonder of Children: Development and Dispositions

Introduction to Development and Dispositions

Studying Infants

Studying Toddlers

Studying Preschool-Age Children (Ages Three to Five Years)

Studying Children in Kindergarten and Primary Grades (Ages Five to Eight Years)

Dispositions

3. Theories of Development: Foundations for Practice.

Theories of Development at a Preschool

Cognitive and Language Development

Social and Emotional Development

Multiple Intelligences Theory

Theory into Practice: A Visit to Preschool

4. Children's Play: A Source of Development and Learning.

Definitions and Thinking about Play

Play and Development: From Infants to Eight-Year-Olds

Social Development and Play

Current Topics and Issues Related to Play

Adult Roles in Children's Play

5. Early Childhood Curriculum: Thinking and Practices.

What is Curriculum?

Ideas about Curriculum

Early Childhood Education Programs

Current Curriculum Guidelines and Approaches

Recent Curricular Emphases

6. Families and Communities: Context for Understanding Children.

Families Today

Today's Families and Home vs. Work

Families and Communities: Significant Understandings

Contemporary Challenges Faced by Families

Family Involvement in Early Childhood Education

7. Infant Care Programs and Practices: Luke's Story.

Finding Good Infant Care

A Conversation with Luke's Dad

Visiting Luke's Home with Kristine

Visiting with Sure, the Infant Care Coordinator

A Closer Look at Infant Care Programs

Current Issues and Trends in Infant Care Programs

8. Toddler Care: Ibrahim's Story.

Toddler Development: Responding with Curriculum and Guidance

The Helen Gordon Child Development Center: A University Laboratory School

9. Preschool: Felipe's Story.

A Visit with Susana

A Home Visit with Felipe's Family

What is Head Start?

Preschool Programs

Supporting Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

10. Kindergarten: Keeley's Story.

Visiting Keeley

Kindergarten: It's Position in the School System

Learning from Jim

After-School Care Program

A Closer Look at Kindergarten

11. The Primary Grades: Erin Cheyenne's Story.

Meet Erin Cheyenne and Her Family

Reasons for Educating At Home

Lessons from Parent's Thinking

Learning from Paula: Meeting Diverse Needs and Providing Guidance

Primary Grade Curriculum

Assessment in the Primary Grades

Professional Preparation of Primary Grade Teachers

12. Special Education: Jodie and Her Family's Story.

A Home Visit with Jodie and Her Family

Reflecting on Jodie's Experiences

Special Education for Young Children

Early Childhood Special Education

 

13. The Changing World of Early Childhood.

Angela's Village

Politics and Early Childhood Programs

Economics and Early Childhood Education

Society and Early Childhood

Summary of Political, Economic, and Social Influences on Early Childhood

Advocacy: Why and How?

Professionalism in Early Childhood Education

Appendix A–Web Resources

Appendix B–The National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Code of Ethical Conduct

References

Author Index

Subject Index