Peer Relationships in Early Childhood Education and Care

Peer Relationships in Early Childhood Education and Care brings together fresh perspectives and research about young children’s relationships. It examines children’s rights and well-being against a backdrop of increased social movement and migration, changing family structures and work practices, and the growing prevalence of education and care services for young children.

With contributors from diverse cultural, geographical and disciplinary backgrounds, this edited collection shows how educators support children’s peer relationships and use these as a basis for enhancing social and cognitive development. Themes discussed include:

• conflicts and negotiations
• friendships and play
• group phenomena
• independence and interdependence
• identity and belonging
• peer relations and children with disabilities
• attuning adults to young children’s relationships.

This book will be highly relevant for academics, researchers and students concerned with early childhood care and education, especially those interested in relating these issues on a global scale.