Part I: Perspectives on Childhood
Childhood in Different Cultures - Joanne Westwood
Childhood through the Ages - Yordanka Valkanova
Sociology of Childhood - Nigel Thomas
The Globalisation of Early Childhood Education and Care - Helen Penn
Childhood in the Digital Age - Jackie Marsh
Part II: The Developing Child
Thinking and Cognitive Development in Young Children - Ruth Ford
Babies' and Young Childrens' Social and Emotional Development - Tricia David with Sacha Powell
Language Development in the Young Child - Thea Cameron-Faulkner
Play and Development in Early Childhood - Justine Howard
Cultural-Historical Theories of Child Development - Marilyn Fleer
Part III: Policy and Provision for Young Children
Early Childhood Policy and Services - Sonia Jackson
Children's Rights and the Law - Nigel Thomas
Early Childhood Education (ECE) - Iram Siraj-Blatchford
Child Welfare and Protection - Dendy Platt
Children's Health and Wellbeing - Sally Robinson
Inclusive Policy and Practice - Siobhan O'Connor
Part IV: Developing Effective Practice
Observing Children to Improve Practice - Helen Moylett
Undertaking Research with Young Children - Alison Clark
Is Working Together Working? - Angela Anning
Effective Early Childhood Leadership - Carol Aubrey
Early Childhood Education for Sustainability - Nicola Kemp
Opening Pandora's Box: Postmodernist Perspectives of Childhood - Jayne Osgood

This new edition of this bestselling textbook examines the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood from a variety of disciplines and international perspectives, making essential links between theory and practice to help you apply your learning in real-life settings.

Key additions include:

• the latest changes in early years policy


• 2 brand new chapters on Postmodernist theories in Education, and Education for Sustainable Development


• A renewed emphasis on reflective practice across Part 4, supporting and encouraging your professional development

Throughout, case studies, exercises and links to further reading help you engage with key issues and test your learning, making it easier for you to get to grips with all aspects of your course.