A foundational text for pre-service teachers explaining the theories, policies and pedagogies that shape the provision of early childhood education and care in Australia.

List of tables and figuresContributorsIntroductionPART 1: HISTORICAL, THEORETICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES OF ECEC1 The development of early childhood education and care in Australia - Sandie Wong and Frances Press2 Historical perspectives on children and childhood - Joanne Ailwood3 Theoretical perspectives on early childhood - Mindy Blaise4 Practical approaches and philosophies in early childhood education and care - Linda Henderson and Susan EdwardsPART 2: PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES IN ECEC POLICY AND PROVISION5 Key ideas, research and challenges in early childhood education and care - Maryanne Theobald and Gillian Busch6 Contexts, policy and frameworks of early childhood education and care - Megan Gibson7 Cultural safety for Indigenous children in early childhood education and care - Margot Ford8 Diversity and inclusion in early childhood education and care - Melinda G. Miller9 Ethical responsibilities in early childhood education and care - Ann FarrellPART 3: PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES IN TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP10 Planning for children's learning: curriculum, pedagogy and assessment - Sandra Cheeseman11 Relationships between staff, children and families - Karen Hawkins12 Understanding babies: promoting young children's learning and development - Wendy Boyd13 Flexible and sustainable learning environments - Joy Goodfellow14 Professionalism for early childhood educators - Louise Mary ThomasAcknowledgementsIndex