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Foundations of Early Childhood
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Foundations of Early Childhood
Principles and Practice

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January 2014 | 432 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

'This text will be an invaluable addition to the reading of students and tutors alike. It has been written thoughtfully for students embarking on university courses that study aspects of early childhood education. The introductory chapters give the reader a sense of the thinking and reflection that is helpful for them at the beginning of their studies and a clear focus on the rights of our youngest children roots the text in a sound pedagogical frame. The later chapters broaden the argument and feel very relevant to the current context in their explorations of the policy and practice of EYFS. I would strongly recommend this text.'
-Jo Albin-Clark, Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education, Edge Hill University

This book introduces all the most important aspects of early years care and education, and will help you develop the key skills needed to study at degree level.

Each chapter introduces major concepts and theories which allow you to explore the foundations of key early childhood issues and apply them in practice. Topics include:

  • Children’s rights
  • The Early Years curriculum
  • How children learn and develop
  • Health and well-being

As well as looking at important aspects of study such as:

  • How to search primary sources, such as policy documents and journals
  • How to use your personal experience in studying
  • How to develop critical reading and writing skills

With specific learning features designed for different levels of study, this book will be invaluable to students studying at levels 4 and 5 of early childhood degrees and foundation degrees, with features designed to support students as they make the transition to honours level study.

Digital resources for extra support!

Check out the companion website for additional material including:

  • interactive glossary flashcards
  • journal tasks
  • web links to more handy online resources
 
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION TO STUDYING EARLY CHILDHOOD
Louise Dryden
Studying for a Degree
Carolyne Willow
Upholding Children’s Rights in Early Years Settings
Judy Stevenson
Becoming a Reflective Practitioner and Practitioner Research
Jonathan Glazzard
Observation and Assessment
 
PART TWO: HOW CHILDREN DEVELOP
Penny Mukherji
How Children Develop
Linda Pound
How Children Learn
Justine Howard
The Importance of Play
 
PART THREE: INFLUENCING FACTORS
Linda Pound
The Historical Background of Early Childhood Care and Education: Influencing Factors
Gianna Knowles and Penny Mukherji
Social Inequalities
Penny Mukherji
Health and Well-being
Tricia Johnson
Recent Legislation and Policy Initiatives (1997–Present)
 
PART FOUR: APPROACHES AND PRACTICE
Edwina Mitchell
Curricula and Pedagogic Principles in the Foundation Stage (0–5)
Penny Mukherji and Vicky Mummery
Working in Partnership with Parents in Early Childhood Settings
Claire M. Richards
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Judy Stevenson
Management and Leadership
 
PART FIVE: IMPLEMENTING THE CURRICULUM
Julia Manning-Morton
Young Children’s Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Foundations of Being
Louise Dryden
Communication, Literacy and ICT
Rita White
Physical Development and the Role of the Physical Environment
Ros Garrick
Specific Areas of Development and Learning (Mathematics, Understanding of the World, Expressive Arts and Design)
Hilary Fabian
Transitions
 
Glossary
 
Index

Supplements

Click for online resources
Check out this book's accompanying website for additional online resources!

Very good, easy to read.

Mrs Alicia James
Community Studies, Truro College
July 3, 2015

Fantastic, very relevant to the course I teach - have asked library to order copies for my students

Mrs Fiona Routh
Health and Social Development, Burnley College
June 15, 2015

This is a well-written and accessible book which is supported by an impressive companion website. The case studies which can be found throughout the book can be used to encourage either individual reflection or group discussion in a classroom environment. There are useful summaries of the main theoretical perspectives within developmental psychology in Chapters 5-7 and a clearly explained review of recent legislation relating to Early Years practice in Chapter 11. A book I would recommend to students wishing to progress to Higher Education to study Early Years.

Mrs Suzi Smale
Early Years, Petroc
May 27, 2015

Good supplementary text for our pre-reg students

Dr Vincent Icheku
Faculty of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University
May 20, 2015

This text comes highly recommended. It is an enjoyable and informative read that introduces the reader to a broad range of interesting theories and key concepts that are discussed and debated within the field of Early Childhood Studies. A great companion to have if you are embarking on a university course or are already studying within the field of Early Years Education and Care as the book also provides very useful tips and guidance on how to develop your research and writing skills.

Mrs Adele Roberts
Early Childhood Studies, Somerset College of Arts & Technology
May 20, 2015

Excellent resource for teaching in FE. Useful case studies to use when introducing a new subject to reinforce students learning.

Mrs beverley denise owen-jones
SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE, Neath Port Talbot College
September 12, 2015

This book underpins a lot of the content covered on the Foundation Degree in Early years, including Safeguarding Children, The Importance of Play, Observation, and Child Development. This is a recommended companion for students who study childhood at degree level.

Miss Jo Button
Education , South Devon College
April 29, 2015

This book is an essential read for an over text for any foundation degree course in early Years and is of value to both students and teaching staff for this purpose.

Michelle Harris
Early Years, Gloucestershire College
April 17, 2015

This book is set at exactly the correct level for the students enrolled onto Education Studies. This book will help them through this course and also be useful to them at University. It is well written and easy to follow, giving the student the chance to recap on the chapter they have read and test their own knowledge. The use of the Sage online resource site allows students to download charts etc rather than photocopying from the book.

Mrs Cheryl Hine
Access to H.E., Leeds City College
April 11, 2015

Really good for the course, students are able to dip in and out of the book with ease.

Miss Annette Trilk
childcare, Wakefield College
February 24, 2015

Penny Mukherji

Louise Dryden

Louise Dryden is Senior Lecturer in Early Years & Primary Education. Having taught children aged 3-11 for many years in inner-city schools (in London and Birmingham), the major focus of her more recent work has been in lecturing to students on degree programmes related to early years and primary education. Louise spent a number of years lecturing in Further Education where the focus of her teaching was on child development and educational provision for children in pre-school settings through to Key Stage 1. This experience proved extremely valuable in her role as an academic liaison tutor for an early years’ Foundation Degree, working... More About Author

Also available as a South Asia Edition.

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