Early Childhood educational research is a constantly evolving field. This book brings together Cathy Nutbrown's considerable knowledge and expertise in the field, to deliver a comprehensive and critical overview of national and international research. The strengths of various types of research, and their influence on theory, policy and practice, are identified along with new and emerging research areas, and anticipated future topics and patterns of research.

Chapter 1: Research Threads: Weaving Understandings of Early Childhood Education from the 20th CenturyPart I: ChildrenChapter 2: Children's Rights and Early Childhood Education and CareChapter 3: Young Children's Well-Being and SpiritualityChapter 4: Play in Early Childhood Education and CareChapter 5: Children as Participants in their own Learning and in ResearchChapter 6: Poverty in Childhood and the Impact of Early Childhood Education and CareReflection on Part I: Research Focusing on ChildrenPart II: AdultsChapter 7: Parents and Early Childhood Education and CareChapter 8: Inclusion and Diversity in Early Childhood Education and CareChapter 9: Multi-Professional and Inter-Disciplinary Working in Early Childhood Education and CareChapter 10: Professionalism, Qualifications and StatusChapter 11: Leadership in Early Childhood Education and CareChapter 12: Ethics of Work with Young Children in Early Childhood Education and CareReflection on Part II: Research Focusing on AdultsPart III: Learning and TeachingChapter 13: Curricular Approaches: Pedagogy and Practice in Early Childhood Education and CareChapter 14: Early Literacy Development and LearningChapter 15: Languages and Early LearningChapter 16: Digital Technologies and Early Childhood Education and CareChapter 17: Assessment in Early Childhood Education and CareReflection on Part III: 21st Century Research Focusing on Learning and TeachingChapter 18: Research in Early Childhood Education in the 21st Century: Salience, Significance and Challenge