Sage Publications Early Childhood Education and Care: An Introduction

′The book gives excellent insight of current Early Years topics by covering international educational approaches and discussing the need to professionalise the sector. It is suitable for students on Early Childhood Studies programme, EYPS, and Early Years Foundation Degrees.′ - Eva Mikuska, Senior Lecturer at University of Chichester, MA, EYPS, and Programme Leader for the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood By examining how young children develop and learn from conception through to the age of eight, this book explores ways to enhance professional practice in the early years. Sections cover: - Child development (including recent research into cognitive development of babies) - The child in the socio-cultural context - International educational approaches - The developing professional. Learning Features: - Key learning points identify at a glance what each chapter will cover - Case studies help you link theory to practice - Reflective activities help you reflect on how to apply ideas to practice - Further reading directs you to additional resources to deepen your understanding. Illustrated with examples of practice from a range of settings, this accessible text is essential reading for all those studying on Early Years, Early Childhood Studies and Early Years Education and Care courses. Additional online material/support: For regular updates and thoughts on hot topics and key debates in the field subscribe to Sheila Nutkins author blog Review ′Each section has its own introduction and can stand alone - indeed the chapters, although they are clearly interconnected, can be accessed individually. This makes this an ideal book to dip in to when researching a particular aspect of early years practice′ -- Early Years Update ― Early Years Update Published On: 2013-06-11 The text promotes knowledge and understanding of education and care for early years specialists, primary teachers and childhood practitioners. It offers a variety of strategies and approaches to enhance professional development. This book is well written, accessible and engages the reader throughout. It is a valuable learning and reference tool which will appeal to a wide audience who seek insight into early years. -- Brenda Dunn and Jill Shimi ― Scottish Educational Review Published On: 2013-11-08 This book is an invaluable resource for all students in the field of early childhood studies who envisage a career as professionals in the field as it introduces a number of concepts of early childhood education and care that can benefit enormously the professional practitioner in recognising today’s issues of their practice and support children and families in a broader socio-cultural context. -- Dr. Ioanna Palaiologou About the Author Sheila Nutkins, Catriona McDonald and Mary Stephen are Teaching Fellows in the School of Education at the University of Aberdeen. They all support students on B.Ed. (Hons), PGDE, BA Childhood Practice (BACP) undergraduate programmes and the Early Years Postgraduate Certificate in Education (EYPGCE). Catriona McDonald is the Programme Director for BACP and EYPGCE. Sheila Nutkins taught in London as Deputy Head at St. Paul′s JMI in Primrose Hill, London NW1 and has lived and worked in Aberdeen since 1991. She has developed course materials and taught in Further Education before joining the University in 2005. Catriona McDonald trained as a Primary teacher in Edinburgh and then completed the Froebel certificate. She taught in Nursery classes in Scotland before going to Sweden with her husband where she lived for twenty years working in Primary and Secondary schools there teaching English and music. Mary Stephen completed her PGDE teaching qualification in Aberdeen after graduating with a B.Sc. in Genetics and working in science research for five years. She taught in Primary and particularly nursery (3 - 5) classes in North East Scotland before working in Further Education on child care and