Critical Issues in the Early Years – serie

Providing a unique and critical insight into some of the most significant issues affecting Early Years Policy, this book has chapters from leading authorities and researchers in the field and draws on current research, addresses key debates and considers international perspectives.

Topics covered include:

- policy making

- poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion

- promoting infant mental health

- safeguarding and well-being

- enhancing children's potential

- parenting policies and skills

- national strategies versus professional autonomy

- the marketisation of early years provision

- democracy as a fundamental value in Early Years

Taking a critical perspective and written in an accessible style, the book is relevant to all levels of Early Years courses, from Foundation Degree to Masters. The reader is encouraged to engage with debates and to develop their own views and opinions. With staggered levels of Further Reading, the editors and contributors provide a rich source of material that encourages reflection and promotes progression.

Linda Miller is Professor Emeritus of Early Years, The Open University.

Denise Hevey is Professor of Early Years, The University of Northampton.

Providing a unique and critical insight into some of the most significant issues affecting Early Years Policy, this book has chapters from leading authorities and researchers in the field and draws on current research, addresses key debates and considers international perspectives.

Topics covered include:

- policy making

- poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion

- promoting infant mental health

- safeguarding and well-being

- enhancing children's potential

- parenting policies and skills

- national strategies versus professional autonomy

- the marketisation of early years provision

- democracy as a fundamental value in Early Years

Taking a critical perspective and written in an accessible style, the book is relevant to all levels of Early Years courses, from Foundation Degree to Masters. The reader is encouraged to engage with debates and to develop their own views and opinions. With staggered levels of Further Reading, the editors and contributors provide a rich source of material that encourages reflection and promotes progression.

Linda Miller is Professor Emeritus of Early Years, The Open University.

Denise Hevey is Professor of Early Years, The University of Northampton.

'This informative and wide-ranging book argues persuasively for the value of multiple perspectives, both international and disciplinary, in the study and practice of early childhood education, because they feed our imaginations and provoke us to think. And while illustrating the many differences that exist between countries, it highlights the shared issues confronting us, wherever we live.' - Emeritus Professor Peter Moss, Institute of Education, University of London Stemming from original research in the field, a range of expert contributors explore the key themes and debates surrounding international perspectives on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).  Drawing on studies carried out in Norway, Mexico, France, Hungary and many more countries, the book covers a wide range of topics including:  the relationship between early childhood and primary education gender and play in ECEC curriculum inclusion early interventions working with families place-based learning With case studies, detailed suggestions for further reading at different levels and discussion points, this is a key text for students of Early Years at all levels, from Foundation Degree to Masters, as well as current early years practitioners. Linda Miller is Professor Emeritus of Early Years, The Open University.  Claire Cameron is Senior Reader in Education at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London.

With the rapid change experienced by the Early Years Workforce over recent times, this book considers what constitutes professionalization in the sector, and what this means in practice. Bringing a critical perspective to the developing knowledge and understanding of early years practitioners at various stages of their professional development, it draws attention to key themes and issues.

Chapters are written by leading authorities, and provide case studies, question and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking.

Topics covered include:

- constructions of professional identities

- men in the early years

- multi-disciplinary working in the early years

- professionalization in the nursery

- early childhood leadership and policy

Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, the book is highly relevant to those studying at Masters level, and has staggered levels of Further Reading, that encourage reflection and progression.

With the rapid change experienced by the Early Years Workforce over recent times, this book considers what constitutes professionalization in the sector, and what this means in practice. Bringing a critical perspective to the developing knowledge and understanding of early years practitioners at various stages of their professional development, it draws attention to key themes and issues.

Chapters are written by leading authorities, and provide case studies, question and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking.

Topics covered include:

- constructions of professional identities

- men in the early years

- multi-disciplinary working in the early years

- professionalization in the nursery

- early childhood leadership and policy

Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, the book is highly relevant to those studying at Masters level, and has staggered levels of Further Reading, that encourage reflection and progression.

By focusing on key figures in early years education and care, this book considers the influential thinkers and ground-breaking approaches that have revolutionized practice. With contributions from leading authorities in the field, chapters provide an explanation of the approach, an analysis of the theoretical background, case studies, questions and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking.

Included are chapters on:

- Froebel

- Psychoanalytical theories

- Maria Montessori

- Steiner Waldorf education

- High/Scope

- Post-modern and post-structuralist perspectives

- Forest Schools

- Vivian Gussin Paley

- Te Whatilderiki

Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, the book has staggered levels of Further Reading that encourage reflection and promotes progression.

Linda Miller is Professor Emeritus of Early Years, The Open University

Linda Pound is a consultant and author, renowned for her work in early years education and care.