People Under Three translates child development theory and research into everyday practice. Focusing on the childcare of very young children, it is designed specifically for those who look after them day by day, as well as being a useful resource for social work and playwork students and policy makers. All the practical ideas in the book have been developed and tested in nurseries and family centres. They include detailed guidance on educational play for babies and toddlers and how to care for children's emotional needs. The book also explores the difficult area of child protection and working with parents and children with a variety of problems. People Under Three is an established text for all those training to work with young children or managing day care facilities. This new edition has been completely updated to take account of the key policy and practice changes which have taken place in child care provision since the booka (TM)s second edition.

Preface Introduction 1. Childcare Policy and Visions of Childhood 2. The Key Person 3. Planning Spaces for Living, Learning and Playing 4. Babies in Day Care 5. The Treasure Basket 6. The Second Year of Life 7. Heuristic Play with Objects 8. Children in their Third Year 9. Mealtimes 10. Out of Doors 11. Leading and Managing a Childcare Centre 12. Building a Staff Team 13. Bridging the Child's Two Worlds 14. Safeguarding Children 15. Elinor Goldschmied