Underpinned by substantive research on meeting the developmental and attachment needs of infants, this book offers constructive advice on how to encourage curiosity, confidence and emotional security in young children. Based on a philosophy of respect and sensitive observation of infants, it is appropriate for use in Sure Start programmes. The contributors offer a model that supports children's development and well being without relying on expensive material resources, and enables a coherent care strategy to be applied across different services. They explain the main elements of the RIE approach clearly and concisely and fully explore the practicalities of its implementation in a range of settings, including state-run and independent day care and residential centres, private households and family-based day care. The fresh and effective approach to caring for infants and toddlers outlined in this book will be welcomed by parents and day care professionals, as well as those who manage and evaluate child care provision.

After her dreams of a perfect life in marriage are shattered by a divorce, Stephanie Petrie travels from an idyllic life in California to Sedona, Arizona, and eventually to the pyramids of Egypt as she embarks on a spiritual journey of self discovery. Along the way, she meets strangers and makes new friends as she learns to develop her spiritual intuition and trust the synchronistic moments in life. These moments occur while driving through the Sonoran Desert, noticing a family of tarantulas scurrying through the parking lot, and following a boy into the King's Chamber in the Pyramid of Giza. In this memoir, Stephanie tells her story of how people, nature, and life choices are all connected in order to challenge her "expected" social role in life and allow herself to be transformed on her life journey. This adventure continues to require profound courage, commitment, and faith in the beauty of life as she discovers a deeper purpose and source of happiness.