What ethical dilemmas face researchers who work with young children?

Researching Young Children's Perspectives critically examines the challenges and complexities of rights based, participatory research with children. Rather than approaching these dilemmas as problematic issues, this book positions them as important topics for discussion and reflection.

Drawing from their own rich experiences as research collaborators with young children in internationally diverse settings, the authors consider the ethical, methodological and theoretical frameworks that guide best-practice in research with young children. Each chapter poses points for consideration that will inform and challenge both the novice and experienced researcher, such as:

• How 'participatory' can research be with infants under eighteen months?
• When should listening through observation stand alone?
• What is the distinction between methodologies and methods?
• How can all young children be assured of a voice in research?

The authors also present seven separate case studies which demonstrate exemplary research with young children. Each study is accompanied by insightful commentary from the authors, who highlight the issues or difficulties faced and propose potential solutions.

If you are a student at undergraduate level and above, this book will give you all the confidence you need to conduct your own high quality research with children.

What ethical dilemmas face researchers who work with young children?

Researching Young Children s Perspectives critically examines the challenges and complexities of rights based, participatory research with children. Rather than approaching these dilemmas as problematic issues, this book positions them as important topics for discussion and reflection.

Drawing from their own rich experiences as research collaborators with young children in internationally diverse settings, the authors consider the ethical, methodological and theoretical frameworks that guide best-practice in research with young children. Each chapter poses points for consideration that will inform and challenge both the novice and experienced researcher, such as:

• How participatory can research be with infants under eighteen months?
• When should listening through observation stand alone?
• What is the distinction between methodologies and methods?
• How can all young children be assured of a voice in research?

The authors also present seven separate case studies which demonstrate exemplary research with young children. Each study is accompanied by insightful commentary from the authors, who highlight the issues or difficulties faced and propose potential solutions.

If you are a student at undergraduate level and above, this book will give you all the confidence you need to conduct your own high quality research with children.

This accessible book demystifies the links between theory and practice for those studying in the field of early childhood. The book encourages those new to research to develop their investigations as straightforward narrative accounts of the phenomenon that they are investigating.

Throughout the book the authors demonstrate the influence of theoretical perspectives on their own practice and research. They articulate how this adds depth to their studies by linking into wider and more enduring themes.

The book is divided into two parts; part one looks at 'Community, interaction and identity' and addresses several different aspects of social constructivist theory. Each author explores, less familiar, but increasingly influential ideas emanating from Vygotskian theory.

Part two explores 'Structure, power and knowledge' which includes a wider range of theoretical perspectives, that tell a more 'critical' story about how the way society is structured, influences power, institutions and individuals. These theories help the authors to describe how working practices serve some groups and disadvantage others.

Each chapter includes: Theoretical concepts, which are related to practice and/or research Case studies Examples from research practice enabling readers to explore the practical application of the 'big ideas' Further reading appropriate to the theoretical construct This book is essential reading for undergraduate students and trainee teachers.

"Contributors: Tony Bertram, Angeliki Bitou, Liz Brooker, Sue Fawson, Rohan Jowallah, Maggie Leese, Martin Needham, Jane O'Connor, Chris Pascal, Lynn Richards, Faye Stanley, Jo Winwood, Gill Woods, Jenny Worsley - all at University of Wolverhampton except Liz Brooker, who is at the Institute of Education in London.

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: 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. Employability podcasts providing hints and tips about going on your first placement and getting your first job Podcasts from chapter authors providing deeper insight into key topics Free SAGE Journal Articles to deepen students' understanding on core topics Web links directing to useful websites for further study and support in practice.

'A much needed book that uniquely brings together policy and practice in early childhood education and care across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It offers a wealth of information and useful websites and addresses so that, importantly, readers can keep abreast of the rapidly changing external environment in these countries... An essential read for those wishing to understand the background to policy and practice in early childhood education and care' - Linda Miller, The Open University 'This book is long overdue; it provides effective cameos of developments in each country, highlighting key legislation, the underlying philosophy, the formation of policies and thier implementation in state, voluntary and private provision' - The International Journal of Early Childhood 'This unique resource will be invaluable in helping students and others trying to understand the context of current early years provision. The case studies bring the book to life and ground it in the stories of real children and their families. They highlight how the similarities and differences in support for children and their families are more dependent on where they live than what they need' - Lesley Staggs Early childhood education and care policy has an impact on the daily lives of early years practitioners and the families and children they work with, and practising and trainee early childhood professionals need to have an understanding of current policy as well as the contexts for policy-making and implementation. Currently, the majority of textbooks for early years education and early childhood students in the UK focus on the situation in England. As a result, readers may have a skewed perspective on policy and practice, and not be aware of the varying and different contexts in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Also, those working in settings not in England have to work hard to apply texts to their own contexts. In contrast, this book gives the reader easy access to information on the policies and practices in ECEC across each of the countries in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Each chapter covers: o background information o policy and practice in early childhood education and care o transition o schooling and curriculum o quality assurance, examination and inspection o professional development and training o future and imminent changes o case studies of children's lives. In addition to describing the legislatory, political and practical situation in each country, the book enables comparisons to be drawn, and helps readers interpret the data critically. It will be essential reading for modules on comparative education and international perspectives, but will also form a foundation for all modules involving policy and provision on Early Years Education, Early Childhood or Childhood Studies courses. Practitioners undertaking CPD modules or foundation degrees, and international students looking for comparative data will also find the book useful.

There has been a growing academic interest in the role of outdoor spaces for play in a child's development. This text represents a coordinated and comprehensive volume of international research on this subject edited by members of the well-established European Early Childhood Education Research Association Outdoor Play and Learning SIG (OPAL). Chapters written by authors from Europe, North and South America, Australasia and Asia Pacific countries are organised into six sections: Theoretical Frameworks and Conceptual Approaches for Understanding Outdoor Play & Learning Critical Reflections on Policy and Regulation in Outdoor Play & Learning Children's Engagement with Nature, Sustainability and Children's Geographies Diverse Contexts and Inclusion in Children's Outdoor Play Environments Methodologies for Researching Outdoor Play and Learning Links Between Research and Practice

'A much needed book that uniquely brings together policy and practice in early childhood education and care across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It offers a wealth of information and useful websites and addresses so that, importantly, readers can keep abreast of the rapidly changing external environment in these countries... An essential read for those wishing to understand the background to policy and practice in early childhood education and care' - Linda Miller, The Open University 'This book is long overdue; it provides effective cameos of developments in each country, highlighting key legislation, the underlying philosophy, the formation of policies and thier implementation in state, voluntary and private provision' - The International Journal of Early Childhood 'This unique resource will be invaluable in helping students and others trying to understand the context of current early years provision. The case studies bring the book to life and ground it in the stories of real children and their families. They highlight how the similarities and differences in support for children and their families are more dependent on where they live than what they need' - Lesley Staggs Early childhood education and care policy has an impact on the daily lives of early years practitioners and the families and children they work with, and practising and trainee early childhood professionals need to have an understanding of current policy as well as the contexts for policy-making and implementation. Currently, the majority of textbooks for early years education and early childhood students in the UK focus on the situation in England. As a result, readers may have a skewed perspective on policy and practice, and not be aware of the varying and different contexts in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Also, those working in settings not in England have to work hard to apply texts to their own contexts. In contrast, this book gives the reader easy access to information on the policies and practices in ECEC across each of the countries in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Each chapter covers: o background information o policy and practice in early childhood education and care o transition o schooling and curriculum o quality assurance, examination and inspection o professional development and training o future and imminent changes o case studies of children's lives. In addition to describing the legislatory, political and practical situation in each country, the book enables comparisons to be drawn, and helps readers interpret the data critically. It will be essential reading for modules on comparative education and international perspectives, but will also form a foundation for all modules involving policy and provision on Early Years Education, Early Childhood or Childhood Studies courses. Practitioners undertaking CPD modules or foundation degrees, and international students looking for comparative data will also find the book useful.

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: 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. Employability podcasts providing hints and tips about going on your first placement and getting your first job Podcasts from chapter authors providing deeper insight into key topics Free SAGE Journal Articles to deepen students' understanding on core topics Web links directing to useful websites for further study and support in practice.