This revised and updated edition provides essential social, historical, and philosophical perspectives in the field of early childhood education. Leading scholars and practitioners examine a variety of today's most significant and challenging subjects, including child development research, play, program models, assessment, diversity, inclusion, public policy, and advocacy.

New for the Second Edition!



Definitions and metaphors for the major terms--trends, issues, controversies, and challenges--that serve as the organizational structure for the book.
A chapter delineating the issues on emergent literacy development, such as emergent literacy versus reading readiness, reading aloud versus phonemic awareness, and print skills versus books.
An easy-to-use three-part organization--Child and Family Issues, Curricular Trends and Issues Affecting Practice, and Policy and Professional Development Issues.