Introduction to Early Childhood Education

• New co-author Melissa Burnham contributes in-depth knowledge of child development, extensive understanding of brain architecture, application of the latest brain research to practice, and a deep comprehension of progressive models of education.
• This edition reflects the latest research, statistics, policy, and changes in the field of early childhood education, providing the latest information as students enter the field.
• All chapters now begin with specific learning objectives based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, helping to better organize the chapters and tie the objectives to the main sub-sections as well as to the NAEYC Standards for Professional Preparation Programs.
• All chapters list the specific NAEYC standard(s) met in the section and include in-depth links leading to NAEYC Standards for further study.
• The renamed feature, Brain Science, focuses on recent brain development research, tying an aspect of child development to the study of the brain and discussing how and why this research is relevant to early childhood education practitioners.
• Video cases, included in the Interactive eBook, offer students the opportunity to observe real-life educators and classrooms to provide teachers-in-training a sense of what to expect in their future classrooms.
• Thorough coverage of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) discusses the role of digital tools as an avenue for engaging creative activities, while also acknowledging ways in which electronic media can possibly impede creativity.
• An expanded discussion surrounding ever-changing technology is included throughout.

KEY FEATURES: 

• Learning Objectives at the beginning of each chapter prepare readers for encountering the material covered in each chapter and provide clear direction for navigating the content.
• Learning Objectives are paired with NAEYC Standards—a summary of the standards discussed in each chapter are provided, preparing readers for which standards will be covered and where they are discussed in more depth.
• Each chapter opens with a quotation from the book, Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) to underscore the importance of this topic in the field of early childhood education.
• The Take a Closer Look feature offers in-depth information about a topic of importance to the field of early childhood education.
• Stories from the Field are found in each chapter and feature a story from an early childhood practitioner, providing firsthand narratives and insight into what makes working with young children meaningful to professionals.
• Working with Families sections focus on one of the important tasks of early childhood teachers—communicating, coordinating, and working with families—demonstrating how parents and other family members are integral to early childhood programs.
• Key Questions are posed at the end of each chapter to help readers reflect on the information and further explore its relevance, with some questions suggesting activities to reinforce understanding of the topic.
• End-of-chapter study tools include chapter summaries and additional resources, including books, articles, and websites that contain information relevant to early childhood education in relation to the topic of the chapter.