"Foundations of Early Childhood Education: Teaching Children in a Diverse Society" is a practical introduction to the field of early childhood education and can even be used as a hands-on guide. The text emphasizes observations skills and the need to understand child growth and development, special needs, developmentally appropriate practice, positive guidance, an overview of curriculum, and the importance of working with families. Based firmly on research, but with a focus on practice, the text gives students the information they need to function in early childhood settings of various types including classrooms, child care programs, and infant centers. The information is reinforced by a multitude of real-life examples - dialogues, case studies, stories, and anecdotes - that help students make the connection between theory and practice. The text also integrates and discusses cultural influences and stresses what students need to know about working with children from diverse backgrounds.

Table of Contents

Preface Part I. Foundations of the Teaching-Learning Process: The Early Childhood Educator 1. Early Childhood Education as a Profession 2. First Things First: Health and Safety through Observation and Supervision 3. Communicating with Young Children 4. Facilitating Young Children's Work and Play 5. Guiding Young Children's Behavior 6. The Teacher as Model 7. Modeling Adult Relationships in Early Childhood Settings Part II. Foundations of Curriculum: Planning for Learning 8. Setting Up the Physical Environment 9. Creating a Social-Emotional Environment 10. Routines 11. Developmental Tasks as the Curriculum: How to Support Children at Each Stage 12. Observing, Recording, and Assessing Part III. Foundations for Formal Education: Planning for Learning 13. Language and Emergent Literacy 14. Providing Developmentally Appropriate Experiences in Math and Science 15. Integrating Art, Music, and Social Studies into a Holistic Curriculum Glossary References Credits Index