Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood


Book Description

Caribbean Childhoods: From Research to Action is an annual publication produced by the Children s Issues Coalition at the University of the West Indies, Mona. The series seeks to provide an avenue for the dissemination of research and experiences on children s health, development, behaviour and education, and to provide a forum for the discussion of these issues.




Contemporary Issues in the Early Years


Book Description

Written and edited by leading practitioners and researchers in early childhood, this new edition of Pugh and Duffy's highly regarded book provides a critical examination of key issues in the field. The fifth edition is extensively revised to emphasise the role of multi-agency working in responding effectively to the needs of children and families. Written with the new Early Years Foundation Stage and the Early Years Professional Status requirements in mind, the new edition of this best-selling book includes fully updated coverage of policy and research, practice, and workforce issues, as well as four brand new chapters on: - Children's Centres - Health services in the early years - Leading and working in multiagency teams - Quality in early childhood education This book is essential reading for students on early childhood studies courses, PGCEs and early years foundation degrees, and multi-agency team-workers in early childhood services provision. Dr Gillian Pugh is Visitor Professor at the Institute Education and former chief excutive of Coram Family. Bernadette Duffy is Head of Centre at Thomas Coram Centre for Children and families in Camden.




Contemporary Issues in the Early Years


Book Description

If you are a student or practitioner in the early years sector, you need to develop a rounded understanding of key issues in this fast-moving field. This new and updated edition provides a critical examination of the essential issues in early years policy and practice. With contributions from highly regarded practitioners and researchers, this book accessibly balances theory and practical concerns. The Sixth Edition has been extensively revised to include: A new chapter on Child Protection and Safeguarding Coverage of the new EYFS Theory and research evidence A Companion Website, highlighting further reading and current policies and frameworks You can visit the Companion Website at www.uk.sagepub.com/pughduffy to view a video from the authors, and also access study materials including: Points for discussion Reflective tasks Further reading Web links




Contemporary Issues and Challenge in Early Childhood Education in the Asia-Pacific Region


Book Description

This book investigates the unique and dynamic approaches to key issues of changing images of child and childhood, by different countries in the Asia-Pacific. Key concepts considered are re-conceptualizing early childhood education and care, re-eaxming early learning standards and redefining professionalism. The Asia Pacific region includes countries belonging to both the Majority and Minority worlds and which vary widely in terms of their cultural geography, social-cultural beliefs, and levels of development, demographic profiles, political systems and government commitments to early childhood services. An international team of experienced researchers from different countries guarantees diverse perspectives. By examining different countries’ policy choices and evidence-based practices, the authors show how best to provide for young children based on their countries’ strategies.




Contemporary Issues in the Early Years


Book Description

Praise for First Edition 'The book has been extensively revised to take account of recent legislation in education, health and social services, and includes a new chapter on children’s rights. It brings together the views of many of the most prominent and well-respected figures in the early years sector' - Nursery World It is now widely accepted that during the first few years of life the foundations are laid for all future development. If children are to reach their full potential, then high quality services are required that meet their needs for education and care, and the needs of their parents for support. Yet it is only very recently that government has recognized the importance of




Critical Issues in Early Childhood Teacher Education


Book Description

In recent years there have been significant changes in education across the globe, largely as a result of changing demographics, technological developments, and increased globalization. Relatedly, the changing needs of societies and families, along with new research findings, provide new directions in early childhood education. Consequently, early childhood teachers today are faced with higher and more complex expectations to help ensure that their students achieve their full potential. Such expectations suggest that early childhood teachers should be professionals who are able to draw on a robust knowledge base in making educational decisions. It follows that teacher education programs should develop and implement innovative programs that can potentially enhance the quality of our future teachers. An awareness of pressing issues in the field of early childhood teacher education led the editors to develop this volume. The chapters in these two volumes bring together scholars from across the US and the globe who are interested in improving the quality of early childhood teacher education. The chapters present their experiences, perspectives, and lessons learned as they addressed some of the challenging issues concerning the education and preparation of future early childhood teachers. The various issues and perspectives from different states in the US or countries across the globe provide insights into current issues and dilemmas facing the field. The contributions of these scholars should inform the discourse on early childhood teacher education and help those who work with preservice teachers improve the quality of their work.




Contemporary Challenges in Teaching Young Children


Book Description

Contemporary Challenges in Teaching Young Children provides both veteran and aspiring early childhood educators with the information and tools they need to build on their understanding of developmentally appropriate practice. Teachers face many challenges, including family configuration, social and political stressors related to accountability requirements, funding shortages, and the resulting need to teach with fewer resources. This innovative book focuses exclusively on problem-solving at the classroom level and fosters creative methods of ensuring best practices are in place for all children, including those with limited experience in formal social settings and a lack of self-regulatory behaviors. Drawing on current research and their own wealth of experience, expert contributors cover topics from the critical importance of social-emotional learning to culturally responsive teaching to using technology to empower teachers and learners. Written in accessible, non-technical language, this book addresses complex factors affecting child development, guiding readers through the best strategies for tackling real problems in their practice.




Contemporary Perspectives on Socialization and Social Development in Early Childhood Education


Book Description

The purpose of this volume is to present a selection of chapters that reflect current issues relating to children’s socialization processes that help them become successful members of their society. From birth children are unique in their rates of growth and development, including the development of their social awareness and their ability to interact socially. They interpret social events based on their developing life style and environmental experiences. The children’s socialization is influenced by several important social forces including the family and its organization, their peer group, and the significant others in their lives. In “Theories of Socialization and Social Development,” Olivia Saracho and Bernard Spodek describe the children’s socialization forces and the different developmental theories that have influenced our understanding of the socialization process. These include maturationist theory (developed by Arnold Gesell), constructivist theories (developed by such theorists as Jean Piaget, Lev S. Vygotsky, and Jerome Bruner), psychodynamic theories (developed by such theorists as Sigmund Freud, Erik Erikson, Harry Stack Sullivan, and Alfred Adler), and ecological theory (developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner). Each theory provides interpretations of the meaning of the children’s social development and describes the different characteristics for each age group in the developmental sequences.




Early Childhood Theories and Contemporary Issues


Book Description

Having a good grasp of the theories of child development and how these translate into practice can make a positive difference to how you understand babies and children and the ways in which you can help them learn. This approachable guide offers easy access to a wide range of concepts, as well as classic and current theories, about how babies and children learn. Each chapter offers clear guidance on how to recognise the theory in action and suggests ways to test these ideas out in early years settings, supporting the development of reflective practice. Case studies are included throughout, along with questions to guide thinking and encourage readers to develop their practice. Summaries conclude each chapter offering a quick reference of the theory examined and the benefits of applying it to practice. Early Childhood Theories and Contemporary Issues is an essential guide for all those looking to develop and enhance their practice in supporting child development within the early years.




Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development


Book Description

What are the risks and benefits of non-parental care for young children? What are the short- and long-term effects of academically vs. play-focused environments for learning? How and when should we teach reading? What are the purposes of Education? What is the best way to teach mathematics to children, from preschool and beyond? Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development is a unique resource and reference work that brings together leading international researchers and thinkers, with divergent points of view, to discuss contemporary problems and questions in childhood education and developmental psychology. Through an innovative format whereby leading scholars each offer their own constructive take on the issue in hand, this book aims to inform readers of both sides of a variety of topics and in the process encourage constructive communication and fresh approaches. Spanning a broad spectrum of issues, this book covers: Phonic and whole language reading approaches The developmental effect of non-parental childcare The value of pre-school academic skill acquisition The most effective methods of teaching mathematics Standardized assessment – does it work? The role of electronic media and technology The pedagogical value of homework The value of parents’ reading to children. This book combines breadth of vision with cutting edge research and is a ‘must have’ resource for researchers, students and policy makers in the fields of education and child development.