Fully updated in its 2nd edition, this comprehensive and accessible book is a one-stop introductory text for those entering the field of early childhood studies and early years. Scholarly, and engagingly written, it covers all the key contemporary debates from child development, language acquisition and play to professional practice, health and wellbeing and diversity and inclusion. The new edition includes two new chapters on fostering creativity and sustainability. It covers the urgent post-pandemic need for early childhood practitioners to lead the remedial work for the 2020 generation of babies who lost valuable socialisation opportunities and includes discussion of the current ‘schoolification’ of early childhood and the pursuit of data as a driver of education and care provision. It also examines the impact of health and income inequalities, Covid-19, global neoliberal policies and Brexit on the early childhood landscape. An excellent all rounder, it covers everything a student of early childhood will need. Each of the eighteen chapters has at least one global case study, and includes reflective exercises, topics for discussion, assignments and further reading lists. Throughout the book, vital connections are made between theory and practice to help students prepare for a career working with a diverse community of children, parents and professionals.

Fully updated in its 2nd edition, this comprehensive and accessible book is a one-stop introductory text for those entering the field of early childhood studies and early years. Scholarly, and engagingly written, it covers all the key contemporary debates from child development, language acquisition and play to professional practice, health and wellbeing and diversity and inclusion. The new edition includes two new chapters on fostering creativity and sustainability. It covers the urgent post-pandemic need for early childhood practitioners to lead the remedial work for the 2020 generation of babies who lost valuable socialisation opportunities and includes discussion of the current ‘schoolification’ of early childhood and the pursuit of data as a driver of education and care provision. It also examines the impact of health and income inequalities, Covid-19, global neoliberal policies and Brexit on the early childhood landscape. An excellent all rounder, it covers everything a student of early childhood will need. Each of the eighteen chapters has at least one global case study, and includes reflective exercises, topics for discussion, assignments and further reading lists. Throughout the book, vital connections are made between theory and practice to help students prepare for a career working with a diverse community of children, parents and professionals.

The new go-to text for Early Childhood Studies, this comprehensive book provides an essential introduction to the field. Written in a fresh and interesting style, the book covers topics such as early childhood in a global context; historical and contemporary theories of child development; sociologies and representations of childhood; early education, diversity and inclusion; and health and well-being. This book also acts as an aid to students conducting original research in childcare settings in preparation for an extended study or dissertation. Further, it takes readers beyond academic study of the subject with a chapter that outlines research opportunities in this sub-discipline of psychology as well as guidance on working with children and adults in early years contexts, providing an overview of the varied career opportunities. Throughout the book, Jenny Willan makes vital links between theory and practice and helps prepare students for a career working with a diverse community of children, parents and professionals.This is a must-read text for students on degree courses in Early Childhood Studies or those specialising in education in Early Years settings, as well as professionals already working in the field. 'If you can only afford one book on early childhood, it has to be this one. Early Childhood Studies provides a compelling and comprehensive introduction to the field. Engagingly accessible as a textbook, yet effortlessly scholarly, this volume is essential reading and a 'must-have' companion for all with an interest in understanding early childhood in contemporary times.' - Mary Jane Kehily, Professor of Gender and Education at The Open University, UK 'This is a fully comprehensive examination of childhood. It will make an excellent core textbook for students of Early Childhood Studies; they will find it interesting, easy to read and informative. I would be proud to have written it myself!' - Penny Farrelly, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Society and Health, Bucks New University, UK

The education and care of children under the age of eight has become one of the major focuses of attention in recent education research and policy-making around the world, and it is now widely recognised that investment in provision at this stage can be both cost effective and beneficial to the social fabric of communities. Approaches to education in nurseries, kindergartens and preschools have traditionally been significantly different from those that inform the teaching of older children but, until recently, these approaches have had little impact on education beyond early years settings.

This wide-ranging collection of papers provides a valuable resource for scholars who need to ground their own study in wider historical and global discourses concerning the education of children under eight. Including both important historical sources and contemporary analysis of current issues, this fascinating set represents a broad variety of countries, cultures and traditions.