Ute Ward is a former Senior Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

"This fascinating collaboration of national and international perspectives on some extremely topical subjects is going to be a great addition to the literature to support those working in the Early Years sector as well as students studying early childhood. The authors have all shared their research, practice ideas and innovative ways of working which will undoubtedly enable reflection and thought for anyone engaging in the texts. Practitioners within the Early Years sector reading this book are invited to open their minds to a range of both national and international perspectives which will both challenge and influence their practice with young children. With such a vast range of subjects this book would be a great addition for any EY student. The gentle introductory chapters at the start of each section carefully sets the context for the reader to know what to expect, making this a great text for dipping into or (as I did) read in its entirety." Joanne Benford, Programme Leader for Undergraduate Programmes, Pen Green Centre for Children & Families, UK “This book has an urgent and interesting content for both practitioners, students, and researchers within Early Childhood Education (ECE). The book outlines the current state of ECE in relation to the challenges and possibilities that our world and society are facing. I especially agree with the overall question about how ECE can make a difference in children’s life. But this book also helps me to see ECE as a part of everyone´s life – not only the children´s life.”Charlotte Öhman, University Lecturer and PhD student, Jönköping University, Sweden

• 1. Early Childhood Practice in Difficult Times Part I: The Impact of Digitalisation2. The Mixed Blessing of Digital Tools 3. Big sister' is watching: a feminist critical discourse analysis of texts supporting the use of live stream video feed technology in licensed childcare programs in Ontario and Alberta, Canada4. Using the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators to develop didactic Tools on AI for Early Childhood Settings 5. Narratives of Crisis: raising children in digital times Part II: Early Childhood Workforce and Management Issues6. Enhancing the Development of Practitioners and Settings 7. Professional development of Croation EC teachers in a virtual world - opportunity or obstacle?8. Impacts of neoliberal inspired policies on educators’ professional identity in five countries: Visions for a better future 9. Fostering practice-based philosophy in early years professionals 10. The LEYF Model: A sustainable ECEC model that addresses the disadvantage gap 11. Seeking and listening to families in updating Australia's Approved learning frameworks Part III: Alternative Pedagogies and Practices 12. Embracing Diversity and Inclusion 13. The quiddity of inclusion: Knowing what matters in early childhood 14. Increasing inclusivity through embedding art in daily practice 15. Imagination: the missing element in ECE? 16. Education at the crossfire: a human right approach to support children with disabilities in disasters17. Children reading to their parents - From Australia to Israel - Implementation and ChallengesPart IV: More than education and care: Philosophical Perspectives on Early Childhood Practice18. The need for different ways of thinking 19. Learning in and from nature: Supporting Children's Development 20. A Posthuman Perspective: Learning Entanglements Among a Child, Family Members, and the Material World21. The Concept of Dialogue: bell hooks, Paulo Freire, and the English Early Years Sector22. Nurturing the spiritual in children - enacting a spiritual pedagogy to develop children's sense of self 23. Towards a better future

Ute Ward is a former Senior Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

"This fascinating collaboration of national and international perspectives on some extremely topical subjects is going to be a great addition to the literature to support those working in the Early Years sector as well as students studying early childhood. The authors have all shared their research, practice ideas and innovative ways of working which will undoubtedly enable reflection and thought for anyone engaging in the texts. Practitioners within the Early Years sector reading this book are invited to open their minds to a range of both national and international perspectives which will both challenge and influence their practice with young children. With such a vast range of subjects this book would be a great addition for any EY student. The gentle introductory chapters at the start of each section carefully sets the context for the reader to know what to expect, making this a great text for dipping into or (as I did) read in its entirety." Joanne Benford, Programme Leader for Undergraduate Programmes, Pen Green Centre for Children & Families, UK “This book has an urgent and interesting content for both practitioners, students, and researchers within Early Childhood Education (ECE). The book outlines the current state of ECE in relation to the challenges and possibilities that our world and society are facing. I especially agree with the overall question about how ECE can make a difference in children’s life. But this book also helps me to see ECE as a part of everyone´s life – not only the children´s life.”Charlotte Öhman, University Lecturer and PhD student, Jönköping University, Sweden

• 1. Early Childhood Practice in Difficult Times Part I: The Impact of Digitalisation2. The Mixed Blessing of Digital Tools 3. Big sister' is watching: a feminist critical discourse analysis of texts supporting the use of live stream video feed technology in licensed childcare programs in Ontario and Alberta, Canada4. Using the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators to develop didactic Tools on AI for Early Childhood Settings 5. Narratives of Crisis: raising children in digital times Part II: Early Childhood Workforce and Management Issues6. Enhancing the Development of Practitioners and Settings 7. Professional development of Croation EC teachers in a virtual world - opportunity or obstacle?8. Impacts of neoliberal inspired policies on educators’ professional identity in five countries: Visions for a better future 9. Fostering practice-based philosophy in early years professionals 10. The LEYF Model: A sustainable ECEC model that addresses the disadvantage gap 11. Seeking and listening to families in updating Australia's Approved learning frameworks Part III: Alternative Pedagogies and Practices 12. Embracing Diversity and Inclusion 13. The quiddity of inclusion: Knowing what matters in early childhood 14. Increasing inclusivity through embedding art in daily practice 15. Imagination: the missing element in ECE? 16. Education at the crossfire: a human right approach to support children with disabilities in disasters17. Children reading to their parents - From Australia to Israel - Implementation and ChallengesPart IV: More than education and care: Philosophical Perspectives on Early Childhood Practice18. The need for different ways of thinking 19. Learning in and from nature: Supporting Children's Development 20. A Posthuman Perspective: Learning Entanglements Among a Child, Family Members, and the Material World21. The Concept of Dialogue: bell hooks, Paulo Freire, and the English Early Years Sector22. Nurturing the spiritual in children - enacting a spiritual pedagogy to develop children's sense of self 23. Towards a better future

Ute Ward is a former Senior Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

"This fascinating collaboration of national and international perspectives on some extremely topical subjects is going to be a great addition to the literature to support those working in the Early Years sector as well as students studying early childhood. The authors have all shared their research, practice ideas and innovative ways of working which will undoubtedly enable reflection and thought for anyone engaging in the texts. Practitioners within the Early Years sector reading this book are invited to open their minds to a range of both national and international perspectives which will both challenge and influence their practice with young children. With such a vast range of subjects this book would be a great addition for any EY student. The gentle introductory chapters at the start of each section carefully sets the context for the reader to know what to expect, making this a great text for dipping into or (as I did) read in its entirety." Joanne Benford, Programme Leader for Undergraduate Programmes, Pen Green Centre for Children & Families, UK “This book has an urgent and interesting content for both practitioners, students, and researchers within Early Childhood Education (ECE). The book outlines the current state of ECE in relation to the challenges and possibilities that our world and society are facing. I especially agree with the overall question about how ECE can make a difference in children’s life. But this book also helps me to see ECE as a part of everyone´s life – not only the children´s life.”Charlotte Öhman, University Lecturer and PhD student, Jönköping University, Sweden

• 1. Early Childhood Practice in Difficult Times Part I: The Impact of Digitalisation2. The Mixed Blessing of Digital Tools 3. Big sister' is watching: a feminist critical discourse analysis of texts supporting the use of live stream video feed technology in licensed childcare programs in Ontario and Alberta, Canada4. Using the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators to develop didactic Tools on AI for Early Childhood Settings 5. Narratives of Crisis: raising children in digital times Part II: Early Childhood Workforce and Management Issues6. Enhancing the Development of Practitioners and Settings 7. Professional development of Croation EC teachers in a virtual world - opportunity or obstacle?8. Impacts of neoliberal inspired policies on educators’ professional identity in five countries: Visions for a better future 9. Fostering practice-based philosophy in early years professionals 10. The LEYF Model: A sustainable ECEC model that addresses the disadvantage gap 11. Seeking and listening to families in updating Australia's Approved learning frameworks Part III: Alternative Pedagogies and Practices 12. Embracing Diversity and Inclusion 13. The quiddity of inclusion: Knowing what matters in early childhood 14. Increasing inclusivity through embedding art in daily practice 15. Imagination: the missing element in ECE? 16. Education at the crossfire: a human right approach to support children with disabilities in disasters17. Children reading to their parents - From Australia to Israel - Implementation and ChallengesPart IV: More than education and care: Philosophical Perspectives on Early Childhood Practice18. The need for different ways of thinking 19. Learning in and from nature: Supporting Children's Development 20. A Posthuman Perspective: Learning Entanglements Among a Child, Family Members, and the Material World21. The Concept of Dialogue: bell hooks, Paulo Freire, and the English Early Years Sector22. Nurturing the spiritual in children - enacting a spiritual pedagogy to develop children's sense of self 23. Towards a better future