Early Childhood Education and Care: An Introduction

by Sheila Nutkins, Catriona McDonald, Mary Stephen

Overview

'The book gives excellent insight of current Early Years topics by covering international educational approaches and discussing the need to professionalise the sector. It is suitable for students on Early Childhood Studies programme, EYPS, and Early Years Foundation Degrees.' - Eva Mikuska, Senior Lecturer at University of Chichester, MA, EYPS, and Programme Leader for the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood

By examining how young children develop and learn from conception through to the age of eight, this book explores ways to enhance professional practice in the early years.

Sections cover:

- Child development (including recent research into cognitive development of babies)

- The child in the socio-cultural context

- International educational approaches

- The developing professional.

Learning Features:

- Key learning points identify at a glance what each chapter will cover

- Case studies help you link theory to practice

- Reflective activities help you reflect on how to apply ideas to practice

- Further reading directs you to additional resources to deepen your understanding.

Illustrated with examples of practice from a range of settings, this accessible text is essential reading for all those studying on Early Years, Early Childhood Studies and Early Years Education and Care courses.

Additional online material/support:

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781446207123
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	04/05/2013
Pages:	339
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)

Table of Contents

About the Author
Acknowledgements
PART ONE: CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING
Introduction
Development from Conception to Three: New Understanding
Play as Active Learning
Play and Risk
Creative Approaches to Teaching and Learning: 'Kodaly'
Creative Approaches to Teaching and Learning -'Transient Art'
PART TWO: THE CHILD IN THE SOCIOCULTURAL CONTEXT
Introduction
The Impact of Changes in Family Structure
The Role of the Parent in the 21st Century
The Role of the Community in Childcare and Education
The Place of the School in the 21st Century
The Place of Technology in Early Years Care and Education
PART THREE: INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL APPROACHES
Introduction
Practice and Provision for Children 0 - 8 in Sweden
Practice and Provision in Reggio Emilia
Practice and Provision in New Zealand: Te Whariki
High Scope
An Approach to Experiential Education: Ferre Laevers
PART FOUR: THE DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL
Introduction
Concepts and Status of Early Years Professionalism
Inter-Professional Practice
The Practicing Professional as Researcher
Working in a Team
The Issue of Professional Autonomy
Index

Editorial Reviews

The text promotes knowledge and understanding of education and care for early years specialists, primary teachers and childhood practitioners. It offers a variety of strategies and approaches to enhance professional development. This book is well written, accessible and engages the reader throughout. It is a valuable learning and reference tool which will appeal to a wide audience who seek insight into early years.

Scottish Educational Review - Brenda Dunn and Jill Shimi

'Each section has its own introduction and can stand alone - indeed the chapters, although they are clearly interconnected, can be accessed individually. This makes this an ideal book to dip in to when researching a particular aspect of early years practice'

Early Years Update

This book is an invaluable resource for all students in the field of early childhood studies who envisage a career as professionals in the field as it introduces a number of concepts of early childhood education and care that can benefit enormously the professional practitioner in recognising today’s issues of their practice and support children and families in a broader socio-cultural context.

Dr. Ioanna Palaiologou