This exciting new book celebrates, interrogates and re-imagines the complex and demanding role of the Early Childhood Practitioner. Exploring the many different facets of the Early Childhood Practitioner's (ECP) role, it challenges normative constructions of practitioners and how they have been shaped by assumptions of history, culture and policy. Drawing on a range of theoretical presumptions and debates, the chapters champion the multidimensional power and potentiality of the ECP, arguing for greater respect and recognition for a role that supports and enables at a crucial time in a child's life. With opportunities for reflection, key topics include: The specialist pedagogical expertise of the ECP The key role that ECPs play in the child's holistic wellbeing The ECP as diplomat across many professional contexts, effectively communicating with families and professionals The creative ECP, pushing traditional, normative boundaries of practice The ECP as so much more than they are customarily perceived as being. This latest addition to the TACTYC series will be valuable reading for Early Years students - particularly on Masters level courses - as well as those working and researching in the Early Years sector.

This exciting new book celebrates, interrogates and re-imagines the complex and demanding role of the Early Childhood Practitioner. Exploring the many different facets of the Early Childhood Practitioner's (ECP) role, it challenges normative constructions of practitioners and how they have been shaped by assumptions of history, culture and policy. Drawing on a range of theoretical presumptions and debates, the chapters champion the multidimensional power and potentiality of the ECP, arguing for greater respect and recognition for a role that supports and enables at a crucial time in a child's life. With opportunities for reflection, key topics include: The specialist pedagogical expertise of the ECP The key role that ECPs play in the child's holistic wellbeing The ECP as diplomat across many professional contexts, effectively communicating with families and professionals The creative ECP, pushing traditional, normative boundaries of practice The ECP as so much more than they are customarily perceived as being. This latest addition to the TACTYC series will be valuable reading for Early Years students - particularly on Masters level courses - as well as those working and researching in the Early Years sector.

* Takes a progressive look at the role of families and reflects the diversity of people who are parents and their children. * Addresses a range of areas and tricky topics - such as difficult conversations with parents - that are of concern to student and early career teachers and often aren't covered in their training. * Worksheets and records are included throughout for the reader to reflect on their interactions and develop practice. * Written by parents and educators, in support of parents and educators.

* Takes a progressive look at the role of families and reflects the diversity of people who are parents and their children. * Addresses a range of areas and tricky topics - such as difficult conversations with parents - that are of concern to student and early career teachers and often aren't covered in their training. * Worksheets and records are included throughout for the reader to reflect on their interactions and develop practice. * Written by parents and educators, in support of parents and educators.

The leap between the undergrad and postgrad can sometimes come as a surprise, especially if you've been out of education for a while. Postgraduate study involves applying skills and knowledge in a more sophisticated and advanced way than was required during your degree. Your Guide to Successful Postgraduate Study demystifies some of the expectations of post-grad study and outlines tools and strategies for developing skills that will improve your work throughout the whole of your post-graduate course. This book advises you on how to: decide what to read, and how best to read it produce engaging outputs in writing or speaking that are convincing and engaging pursue academic arguments and show evidence of research/reading maximize your employability after graduation. Get ahead of the game and equip yourself with the skills needed to supercharge your postgraduate work! The Student Success series are essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to planning your dream career, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips and resources for study success!

'Action research and Early Years practices go together, as naturally as the new day rising. This book is a celebration of new days. Early Years research is a practice for creative thinking for new tomorrows; the book shows us how to do this, and is to be commended for anyone who wishes to find innovative ways to think and act for all new beginnings.' -Jean McNiff, Professor of Educational Research, York St John University

Where do you start with a research project? How do you choose a good question? What are tutors looking for in an outstanding project?

This book will help you answer all of the above and that is just the beginning. With examples of real research projects from students just like you, it takes you through each step of the process including:

Choosing your question and approach Making sure your research is ethical Gathering and analysing data Reaching conclusions Putting your findings into practice.

After each example the authors provide commentary on what made each project so good, or what needed more work, helping you see what a good project really looks like.

Suitable for anyone tackling a research project as part of the Early Years course, at foundation or degree level, this book will help you make sure your project is interesting, relevant and impacts on your practice.

The leap between the undergrad and postgrad can sometimes come as a surprise, especially if you've been out of education for a while. Postgraduate study involves applying skills and knowledge in a more sophisticated and advanced way than was required during your degree. Your Guide to Successful Postgraduate Study demystifies some of the expectations of post-grad study and outlines tools and strategies for developing skills that will improve your work throughout the whole of your post-graduate course. This book advises you on how to: decide what to read, and how best to read it produce engaging outputs in writing or speaking that are convincing and engaging pursue academic arguments and show evidence of research/reading maximize your employability after graduation. Get ahead of the game and equip yourself with the skills needed to supercharge your postgraduate work! The Student Success series are essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to planning your dream career, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips and resources for study success!

'Action research and Early Years practices go together, as naturally as the new day rising. This book is a celebration of new days. Early Years research is a practice for creative thinking for new tomorrows; the book shows us how to do this, and is to be commended for anyone who wishes to find innovative ways to think and act for all new beginnings.' -Jean McNiff, Professor of Educational Research, York St John University Where do you start with a research project? How do you choose a good question? What are tutors looking for in an outstanding project? This book will help you answer all of the above and that is just the beginning. With examples of real research projects from students just like you, it takes you through each step of the process including: Choosing your question and approach Making sure your research is ethical Gathering and analysing data Reaching conclusions Putting your findings into practice. After each example the authors provide commentary on what made each project so good, or what needed more work, helping you see what a good project really looks like. Suitable for anyone tackling a research project as part of the Early Years course, at foundation or degree level, this book will help you make sure your project is interesting, relevant and impacts on your practice.