Early Childhood Studies, 1st ed. 2017 A Multidisciplinary Approach

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

PART I: UNDERSTANDING EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES.- Chapter 1: What is Early Childhood Studies?.- Chapter 2: Early Childhood in a Global Context.- Chapter 3: Some Theories of Child Development.- PART II: UNDERSTANDING CHILD DEVELOPMENT: SUPPORTING THE UNIQUE CHILD.- Chapter 4: Physical Development: the interplay of body and brain.- Chapter 5: Cognitive Development.- Chapter 6: Socialisation, Language and Play.- Chapter 7: Emotional and Moral Development.- PART III: IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD: SHAPING CHILDREN'S LIVES.- Chapter 8: Children and Families in Context.- Chapter 9: Representations of Childhood.- Chapter 10: Early Education.- PART IV: CHILDREN IN SOCIETY: EVERY CHILD MATTERS.- Chapter 11: Early Childhood Social Policy.- Chapter 12: Diversity and Inclusion.- Chapter 13: Health and Well-being.- PART V: THE CHILDREN'S WORKFORCE: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE.- Chapter 14: Professional Practice for Early Childhood.- Chapter 15: Taking the Lead in Early Years Professional Practice.- PART VI: RESEARCH IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: SEEING CHILDREN DIFFERENTLY.- Chapter 16: Understanding Young Children through Observation and Assessment.- Chapter 17: Doing Early Childhood Research

Jenny Willan (née Gubb) has previously worked as a lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Plymouth, UK, and as a researcher at the University of Cambridge and the National Foundation for Educational Research. She has co-edited two previous books on early childhood and contributed articles to various journals, and is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Early Years Education. She has also authored several children’s stories.

• Provides a multidisciplinary and multiprofessional approach 
  
• Encourages critical practice and reflection
  
• Incorporates innovative coverage of early years professional pathways and research 
  
• Written by an experienced and motivated author with a wealth of practical knowledge
• Chapters include points for further critical reflection, to encourage deeper discussion and test your understanding Real-life examples and engaging case studies to help you apply theory to practice
• Set assignments, key topics for further discussion, and extensive signposting to further reading and resources