An Introduction to Early Childhood

Put together by an outstanding author team, including many authors from the University of Northampton, An Introduction to Early Childhood is a much loved book that helps you explore all the major themes in early years education and care, while providing you with real insight into the changing world of early childhood.

To further support your study, this edition has been expanded to include five new chapters including The History of Childhood, Play and Creativity, Children and the Media, Leadership and Management, and Reflective Practice.

This book further supports your study with outstanding learning features including:

Chapter objectives and introduction immediately introduce you to chapter concepts saving you time

More case studies provide deeper insight into how theory works in practice

Research in context boxes show how recent research is changing the world of early years

Reflective questions encourage you to think like a reflective practitioner

Chapter summaries aid your revision by recapping core concepts covered in each chapter
Further reading and recommended websites direct you to additional resources to further support your study.

This book also comes with a new companion website with access a wealth of additional resources including:

1. Child Observation Videos give students a peek into a real Early Years settings and insight into child behaviour. These track particular children at different stages in their development, showing videos of the children 12 months apart in order to observe their development. Great basis for seminar discussions and student assignments.
2. Employability podcasts providing hints and tips about going on your first placement and getting your first job
3. Podcasts from chapter authors providing deeper insight into key topics
4. Free SAGE Journal Articles to deepen students' understanding on core topics
5. Web links directing to useful websites for further study and support in practice.

“This revised edition introduces readers to a wide range of contemporary issues in early childhood, issues that are fundamental for working respectfully with young children. Each chapter has been skilfully constructed with the professional in mind, as accessible and current information is provided, overviews of research studies, useful web-links, podcast options, and thought-provoking case studies all assist with demystifying each topic. What I really like about this book is how it challenges us to think differently about children in an adult-centred society, and it equips readers with ways to better understand children's lifeworlds.”

 

This revised edition introduces readers to a wide range of contemporary issues in early childhood, issues that are fundamental for working respectfully with young children. Each chapter has been skilfully constructed with the professional in mind, as accessible and current information is provided, overviews of research studies, useful web-links, podcast options, and thought-provoking case studies all assist with demystifying each topic.  What I really like about this book is how it challenges us to think differently about children in an adult-centred society, and it equips readers with ways to better understand children’s lifeworlds. -- Dr Anna Kilderry

 

This book provides a rich introduction to key issues that concern early childhood. It makes us think about what matters to young children and what professionals can do to protect their well-being. The broad coverage and the reflective nature of the book make it an invaluable resource for those who are new to early childhood studies, for practitioners and researchers, and also for anyone who cares about the quality of early childhood practice. -- Dr Hiroko Fumoto

 

This book has to be one of the most refreshing and realistic books on early years holistic care and education on the market.  There is a wide range of highly relevant issues included, all presented in a way that provokes the reader to reflect and analyse their developing knowledge and understanding. It is an excellent resource for students studying early years care and education. It provides a stimulating and thought provoking insight into the field of early childhood. -- Ally Dunhill

Tim Waller is Editor of this book, and Professor of Child and Family Studies at Anglia Ruskin University. The majority of the contributors are based at the University of Northampton, and this is very much a team book.  Geraldine Davis is a Principal Lecturer and Director of the Doctorate in Education at Anglia Ruskin University.  She has worked in higher education for 14 years, following work as a teacher in schools, colleges and within the health sector.  She led the Masters degree in Early Years Professional Practice between 2010 and 2015.  Geraldine led a funded research project to explore the link between leadership in the early childhood workforce and outcomes for children from 2010 – 2013.  She co-edited the third edition of ‘An Introduction to Early Childhood’ with Professor Tim Waller in 2014 and wrote the chapter ‘Leadership and Change Management in Early Childhood’. 

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