This exciting new book celebrates, interrogates and re-imagines the complex and demanding role of the Early Childhood Practitioner. Exploring the many different facets of the Early Childhood Practitioner’s (ECP) role, it challenges normative constructions of practitioners and how they have been shaped by assumptions of history, culture and policy. Drawing on a range of theoretical presumptions and debates, the chapters champion the multidimensional power and potentiality of the ECP, arguing for greater respect and recognition for a role that supports and enables at a crucial time in a child’s life. With opportunities for reflection, key topics include: The specialist pedagogical expertise of the ECP The key role that ECPs play in the child’s holistic wellbeing The ECP as diplomat across many professional contexts, effectively communicating with families and professionals The creative ECP, pushing traditional, normative boundaries of practice The ECP as so much more than they are customarily perceived as being. This latest addition to the TACTYC series will be valuable reading for Early Years students – particularly on Masters level courses – as well as those working and researching in the Early Years sector.

This book uniquely describes the work of two Early Years Professionals, drawing on their narrative accounts as they robustly describe and analyse their work with young children. Against a backcloth of increasing regulation and inspection of early years care and education, Kathy Gooch emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships with children and their families, explores how play can be promoted as the central site for learning, and shows how professionals can use play to account for children’s development and learning. In analysing the Early Year Professionals’ narratives, this book explores key themes including: Traditional notions of ‘teaching’ and how they can be redefined The significance of talk in children’s lives Teachers’ professional identities How children’s potential in learning can be achieved through play Celebrating knowledge, skills and understanding and re-defining what it means to be a teacher, in its broadest sense, this fascinating book brings together research and literature from across disciplines. Containing a foreword by Tricia David, it will be of interest to academics, early years educators and students on early childhood education degree programmes and initial teacher education courses, as well as others concerned with the over prescriptive nature of early education.

This text clearly focuses on the process of becoming a knowledgeable, caring, competent, and reflective practitioner who will work with children from birth through eight years of age. The book addresses the concerns new teachers often have about their effectiveness and prepares them to work with children in a variety of settings.

Anti-bias education begins with you! Become a skilled anti-bias teacher with this practical guidance to confronting and eliminating barriers.

Based on her popular Pre-K Now blog, Sophia Pappas' book Good Morning, Children provides an up-close and personal view of the challenges and successes of a beginning teacher. The book describes daily encounters with students, family members, and administrators; reflects on the state of early childhood education in America; and celebrates the ways the pre-K teacher can help prepare every child to succeed in both school and life.

With this authoritative research volume, administrators and policy makers will discover the latest findings on best professional development practices in early childhood education-and learn how to scale up successful efforts across an entire district or s

This book discusses the developmental characteristics and needs of preschoolers and how to create an environment that fosters growth in all facets of their development. The four chapters examine intellectual development, social-emotional growth, spiritual growth, and physical development. Each chapter explores the particular needs and characteristics of each phase of development and offers suggestions supported by examples of how theories work in practice. Chapter 1 looks at how learning occurs, stages of learning, five tasks of preschool learning, and the learning environment. Chapter 2 examines the components of social-emotional development and stresses the need for: (1) gender identification and sex-role freedom; (2) development of self-esteem; (3) the opportunity to talk about feelings; (4) good conflict resolution; (5) trust, autonomy, and initiative; (6) multicultural experiences; (7) friendship; and (8) moral development. Chapter 3 explores ways of celebrating aspects of life that have deep meaning, noting that children appropriate a sense of values and a healthy spirit from approaching life with wonder; from being close to loving, trustworthy adults; and from celebrating special occasions with enthusiasm and creativity. Chapter 4 discusses three basic approaches to physical development: informal exercise, formal exercise, and wholesome nutrition. The list of 76 suggested resources includes professional materials, children's books, curriculum materials and videos, and records and cassette tapes. (TJQ)

This title is also available packaged with the Enhanced Pearson eText. To order the Enhanced Pearson eText packaged with a bound book, use ISBN 0133831507. New and experienced early childhood educators learn to develop an awareness and appreciation of differences and the confidence to apply culturally competent teaching practices to ensure optimal development for each child and family. This text presents a social justice perspective on developing early childhood professionals' cultural competence and ability to engage children in exploring and appreciating diversity. It couples essential foundational knowledge and definitions about diversity with clear applications for engaging in culturally responsive practices with children, families, and colleagues. New and experienced early childhood educators embark on a reflective journey to explore personal attitudes and values related to human diversity and culturally competent teaching, while learning to identify, explain, and use effective strategies for supporting and celebrating diverse children and families. Three overarching themes run throughout the text-self, others, and group-and reflective activities prompt readers to understand their own biases, background experiences, and values. Interactive experiences prompt readers to explore others' similarities and differences. Also included are instructional strategies that promote belonging and partnership among groups of children, professionals, and families in various early childhood settings. An ideal blend of theory and practice gives new and experienced early childhood teachers the tools they need to meet the challenges of diversity in today's classrooms head on. Invigorate learning with the Enhanced Pearson eText The Enhanced Pearson eText provides a rich, interactive learning environment designed to improve student mastery of content with embedded video and internet resources. The Enhanced Pearson eText is also available with a loose-leaf version or without a print version. Instructors, visit pearsonhighered.com/etextbooks to register for your digital examination copy. Students, register for or purchase your eText at pearsonhighered.com/etextbooks.