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.

About the AuthorAcknowledgements PART ONE: CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNINGIntroductionDevelopment from Conception to Three: New UnderstandingPlay 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 CONTEXTIntroductionThe Impact of Changes in Family StructureThe Role of the Parent in the 21st CenturyThe Role of the Community in Childcare and EducationThe Place of the School in the 21st CenturyThe Place of Technology in Early Years Care and EducationPART THREE: INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL APPROACHESIntroductionPractice and Provision for Children 0 - 8 in SwedenPractice and Provision in Reggio EmiliaPractice and Provision in New Zealand: Te WharikiHigh ScopeAn Approach to Experiential Education: Ferre Laevers PART FOUR: THE DEVELOPING PROFESSIONALIntroductionConcepts and Status of Early Years Professionalism Inter-Professional Practice The Practicing Professional as ResearcherWorking in a TeamThe Issue of Professional AutonomyIndex