Download or read book Debates on Early Childhood Policies and Practices written by Theodora Papatheodorou and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The international team of contributors to this book explore the debates and disputes surrounding the policies and documents which set out aspirational outcomes and benefits for children, their families and wider society. They argue that if these issues are not explicitly acknowledged, understood, and critiqued, emerging policies may potentially lead to disadvantaging, marginalising and even pathologising certain childhoods.
Download or read book Debates on Early Childhood Policies and Practices written by Theodora Papatheodorou and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-05-16 with total page 230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Globally, Early Years policies and documents have set out aspirational outcomes and benefits for children, their families and the wider society. These policies have emphasised the place of early childhood provision within the wider global agenda, by tackling inequality and disadvantage early on in children’s lives. However, these strategies have also raised further debates regarding the way they have informed and shaped curricula frameworks and pedagogical approaches. The international team of contributors to this book argue that if these issues are not explicitly acknowledged, understood, critiqued and negotiated, emerging policies and documents may potentially lead to disadvantaging, marginalising and even pathologising certain childhoods. Divided into two parts, the volume demonstrates the dialectic nature of both policy and practice. The chapters in this wide-ranging text: explore and articulate the philosophical premises and values that underpin current early childhood policy, curricula and pedagogies explicitly acknowledge and articulate some of potential conflicts and challenges they present provide examples of divergent and creative pedagogical thinking highlight opportunities for enabling pedagogical cultures and encounters. Debates on Early Childhood Policies and Practices is aimed at a wide readership including academics and researchers in early years education, policy makers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, practitioners and early childhood professionals.
Download or read book Themes and Debates in Early Childhood written by Mary Wild and published by Learning Matters. This book was released on 2013-01-15 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Early Childhood is a complex and diverse field. This text is designed to help students understand and engage with current themes in early childhood, supporting the development of critical thinking skills. Key themes such as children's voice, child wellbeing, identities and professional relationships are presented and opened up for the reader through essential theory and selected extracts. Thought provoking activities in all chapters help students to get a deeper understanding of contemporary themes in early childhood, supporting them in assignment writing and in linking theory to practice. About the Early Years Series This series has been designed to support students of degrees and foundation degrees in Early Years, Early Childhood and related disciplines. Each text takes a focused look at a specific topic and approaches it in an accessible and user-friendly way. Learning features help readers engage with the text and understand the subject from a number of different viewpoints. Activities pose questions to prompt thought and discussion and further reading suggestions, including useful websties, are included to help students access extended learning in each topic. Other titles in the series are Early Childhood Studies, Child Development for Early Childhood Studies, Child Observation for the Early Years and Exploring Play for Early Childhood Studies.
Download or read book The Pre K Debates written by Edward Zigler and published by Brookes Publishing Company. This book was released on 2011 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Targeted or universal pre-K? Direct instruction or learning through play? These and other debates are heating up as more and more young children across the country gain access to pre-K programs. Now there's a single volume that spotlights today's most urgent pre-K debates, explores each one from all sides, and paves the way for sound, educated decision-making. Edited by a founder of Head Start and two other highly respected experts, this forward-thinking book gathers a who's who of more than 40 leading thinkers in early childhood education for a rigorous examination of the most-debated pre-K issues. In a clear and compelling point-counterpoint format, this book gives current and future decision-makers multifaceted perspectives on critical questions; Should pre-K be targeted or universal; what kind of teacher preparation should be required? When should pre-K services be provided and for how long? Whee should pre-K be provided? What should the primary focus of instruction be? Should pre-K be structured around direct instruction or learning through play? How can we ensure quality and accountability in pre-K programs? Readers will also get a helpful synthesis of the major themes of the pre-k debate, investigate lesson learned from model programs in 2 states, and identify ke issues for future research and debate, including polices for English Lanaguage learners and children with special needs.
Download or read book Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development written by Sebastian Suggate and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-06-14 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What are the risks and benefits of non-parental care for young children? What are the short- and long-term effects of academically vs. play-focused environments for learning? How and when should we teach reading? What are the purposes of Education? What is the best way to teach mathematics to children, from preschool and beyond? Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development is a unique resource and reference work that brings together leading international researchers and thinkers, with divergent points of view, to discuss contemporary problems and questions in childhood education and developmental psychology. Through an innovative format whereby leading scholars each offer their own constructive take on the issue in hand, this book aims to inform readers of both sides of a variety of topics and in the process encourage constructive communication and fresh approaches. Spanning a broad spectrum of issues, this book covers: Phonic and whole language reading approaches The developmental effect of non-parental childcare The value of pre-school academic skill acquisition The most effective methods of teaching mathematics Standardized assessment – does it work? The role of electronic media and technology The pedagogical value of homework The value of parents’ reading to children. This book combines breadth of vision with cutting edge research and is a ‘must have’ resource for researchers, students and policy makers in the fields of education and child development.
Download or read book Early Childhood and Development Work written by Anne-Trine Kjørholt and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-08-14 with total page 227 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This edited volume provides a critical account of the theories and policies that have informed work in the field of early childhood and explores how they have operated in practice. Underpinning the theoretical debates are the familiar tensions between global norms and local contexts; increasing inequality alongside economic progress, and the increasing prominence of business and the private sector in delivering aid programs. The authors offer a profound critique on an increasingly important topic and discuss alternative models of policy and practice.
Download or read book Diverse Early Childhood Education Policies and Practices written by Amita Gupta and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-04-29 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Diverse Early Childhood Education Policies and Practices explores issues in early childhood education and teacher preparation in five Asian countries: India, Singapore, China, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Some observed classrooms in these countries reflect influences that are simultaneously indigenous and colonial, local and global. By highlighting the diverse and often hybrid classroom pedagogies at work in these 21st century Asian classrooms, the discussions in this book take into consideration the influence of globalization on local policies and practices, and the challenge educators face when they are expected to reconcile different and sometimes conflicting cultural and pedagogical world views. Through a research-driven analysis of key issues such as recent revisions to national early childhood education policies, perceptions on "play-based and child-centered" pedagogy, curriculum and learning materials, and an emphasis on the teaching of values, this book illuminates the diversity of the observed classrooms as well as current trends in early childhood education in parts of Asia. The cross-national perspective serves to expand and diversify the global discourse of early childhood education and teacher education.
Download or read book Global Perspectives of Early Childhood Education written by Naomi McLeod and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2022-10-13 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This text offers students rich local cultural examples of Early Childhood Education from around the world. Informed by first-hand research and practice, the book provides authentic snapshots of ECE from countries, including Afghanistan, Australia, Ghana, Nigeria, Brazil, Eswatini, Mongolia, Nepal, Sami children of Finland, and Syrian refugee children, enabling readers to better understand the wider determinants influencing the multiplicity and diversity of children’s daily experiences. With expert contributors drawn from across the world, this book is essential reading for those interested in global perspectives on early childhood. Dr Naomi McLeod is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Liverpool John Moores University. Dr Emem E.Okon develops professional development programmes for educational practitioners in Nigeria. Diane Garrison is an anti-racist, educator, leader and community mentor. Dr Diane Boyd is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Liverpool John Moores University. Dr Angela Daly is a Reader in Education and Global Learning at Liverpool John Moores University.
Download or read book Continuity in Children s Worlds written by Melissa M. Jozwiak and published by Teachers College Press. This book was released on 2016 with total page 145 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Offers hope through its rich and abundant examples of teachers, parents, and others who care for young children mindfully taking the time to address issues of continuity in everyday life.” —From the Foreword by Beth Blue Swadener, Arizona State University “After reading this book, it is not possible to think about these ideas simplistically again.” —Virginia Casper, Bank Street College of Education “This examination gives voice to an important but often unexamined issue in early childhood education.” —Christopher P. Brown, The University of Texas at Austin Children’s experiences when they transition from home to school, from classroom to classroom, and from school to school raise issues of continuity that permeate every aspect of early childhood education. This book uses practitioner stories to investigate beliefs about continuity and discontinuity and how these beliefs are enacted in contexts for young children from birth to age 8. The authors examine a range of continuities and discontinuities, including the experiences children, teachers, and families have with programs; the interactions between families and schools; and the ways in which programs and schools relate to one another. They also raise questions about primary caregiving, cultural responsiveness, assessment practices, and congruity between institutions. Discussions of each story include the authors’ interpretations, references to relevant theory, questions for reflection, and implications for intentional and thoughtful practice. Book Features: Represents the first comprehensive volume to unpack the complex topic of continuity. Provides a critical analysis of continuity based on real stories from practitioners and parents.\ Illuminates the work of early childhood educators on the individual, group, organizational, and systems levels. Encourages readers to carefully consider their roles as educators of young children.
Download or read book Early Childhood Education Policies in Asia Pacific written by Hui Li and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-09-28 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book evaluates recent early childhood education policies on the basis of a ‘3A2S’ framework, which refers to accessibility, affordability, accountability, sustainability, and social justice. It systematically and empirically reviews early childhood education policies in specific countries and areas in the Asia-Pacific Region, such as Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, and so on. As the first English-language collection of large-scale reviews of early childhood education policies in Asia Pacific, this book will be of great value to early childhood educators, policymakers, researchers, and postgraduate students in the Region and beyond.
Download or read book Policy Issues in the Early Years written by Linda Miller and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2012-01-20 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Providing a unique and critical insight into some of the most significant issues affecting Early Years Policy, this book has chapters from leading authorities and researchers in the field and draws on current research, addresses key debates and considers international perspectives. Topics covered include: - policy making - poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion - promoting infant mental health - safeguarding and well-being - enhancing children′s potential - parenting policies and skills - national strategies versus professional autonomy - the marketisation of early years provision - democracy as a fundamental value in Early Years Taking a critical perspective and written in an accessible style, the book is relevant to all levels of Early Years courses, from Foundation Degree to Masters. The reader is encouraged to engage with debates and to develop their own views and opinions. With staggered levels of Further Reading, the editors and contributors provide a rich source of material that encourages reflection and promotes progression. Linda Miller is Professor Emeritus of Early Years, The Open University. Denise Hevey is Professor of Early Years, The University of Northampton.
Download or read book Early Childhood Policies and Systems in Eight Countries written by Tony Bertram and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-07-29 with total page 201 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report provides an overview of policy strategies on early childhood education settings (from birth to primary schooling) in eight countries. Data were collected using a policy questionnaire addressed to and completed by the National Research Coordinator(s) (NRC) of Chile, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Poland, the Russian Federation and the United States. The countries that participated provide interesting illustrations of early childhood education policy in action in a range of diverse contexts. Analysis of the systemic and structural results of ECE policy at national and, where necessary, subnational levels, enables transnational comparisons in policy and systems. Key policy changes, both underway and planned, are documented. These data reveal key findings in each of the five policy areas as covered in the questionnaire and this report: public policy; delivery models and providers; participation and enrollment; quality assurance systems; and expectations for child outcomes. In particular, the study aims to provide meaningful information for countries, states and jurisdictions across the world in relation to early childhood education, mapping the systems, structures and user pathways in place, along with the perceptions of stakeholders about the system, its functioning and impact. This comprehensive assessment of the wider policy contexts and settings for early childhood education includes teacher/practitioner qualifications, pedagogy approaches, and opportunities for professional development. Such information will enable countries to review their early childhood education systems in an international context.
Download or read book Ethics and Politics in Early Childhood Education written by Gunilla Dahlberg and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 2005 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Drawing on a range of early childhood services, particularly the 'Reggio approach', this book presents essential ideas, theories and debates to an international audience and explores the ethical and political dimensions in this field.
Download or read book From Neurons to Neighborhoods written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2000-11-13 with total page 610 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How we raise young children is one of today's most highly personalized and sharply politicized issues, in part because each of us can claim some level of "expertise." The debate has intensified as discoveries about our development-in the womb and in the first months and years-have reached the popular media. How can we use our burgeoning knowledge to assure the well-being of all young children, for their own sake as well as for the sake of our nation? Drawing from new findings, this book presents important conclusions about nature-versus-nurture, the impact of being born into a working family, the effect of politics on programs for children, the costs and benefits of intervention, and other issues. The committee issues a series of challenges to decision makers regarding the quality of child care, issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the integration of children's cognitive and emotional development, and more. Authoritative yet accessible, From Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the evidence about "brain wiring" and how kids learn to speak, think, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the climate-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.
Download or read book Rethinking Attachment for Early Childhood Practice written by Sharne A Rolfe and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2020-08-05 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sharne Rolfe brings an excellent discussion of attachment principles, research and applications to an exceedingly important topic, the relationships between child care teachers/providers and young children. It is a important resource for the current and next generation of early childhood professionals and researchers, and it will be a key resource for the growing international discussion about child care teacher/provider and child relationships.' Helen H. Raikes, PhD, The Gallup Organization, and Society for Research in Child Development Consultant, Administration for Children and Families, USA a timely synthesis of current knowledge concerning attachment and its implications for contemporary practice.highly relevant for use in college and university early childhood programs and a valuable resource for directors and staff in children's services' Alan Hayes, Professor of Early Childhood Studies, Macquarie University particularly valuable in highlighting the crucial importance of taking a relationship-based approach when working with young children.' Pam Linke, Manager, Centre for Parenting, Child and Youth Health, South Australia This accessible and lively exploration of the importance of attachment for infants, young children and their parents, should be essential reading for all professional caregivers and for policy makers concerned with the mental health and well being of our future generation.' Ruth Schmidt Neven, Director, Centre for Child and Family Development In heated debates about whether childcare damages young children, attachment theory has been seen as anti-childcare'. Rolfe rethinks this perception, demonstrating instead that understanding attachment is essential to good childcare practice. Rethinking Attachment offers a thorough explanation of attachment theory and explains how security, autonomy and resilience in young children can be promoted in childcare settings through a sound understanding of attachment principles. With examples drawn from practice, Rolfe examines the relationships between children and their carers, between parents and carers, and between carers themselves. She also shows how secure attachment relationships with parents and carers influence transitions to childcare, preschool and school.
Download or read book The Birth of Head Start written by Maris A. Vinovskis and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2008-11-15 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the most popular and enduring legacies of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society programs, Project Head Start continues to support young children of low-income families-close to one million annually-by providing a range of developmental and educational services. Yet as Head Start reaches its fortieth anniversary, debates over the function and scope of this federal program persist. Although the program's importance is unquestioned across party lines, the direction of its future—whether toward a greater focus on school readiness and literacy or the continuation of a holistic approach-remains a point of contention. Policymakers proposing to reform Head Start often invoke its origins to justify their position, but until now no comprehensive political history of the program has existed. Maris A. Vinovskis here provides an in-depth look at the nation's largest and best known—yet politically challenged—early education program. The Birth of Head Start sets the record straight on the program's intended aims, documenting key decisions made during its formative years. While previous accounts of Head Start have neglected the contributions of important participants such as federal education officials and members of Congress, Vinovskis's history is the first to consider the relationship between politics and policymaking and how this interaction has shaped the program. This thorough and incisive book will be essential for policymakers and legislators interested in prekindergarten education and will inform future discussions on early intervention services for disadvantaged children.
Download or read book Democratic Policies and Practices in Early Childhood Education written by Linda Mitchell and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-10-24 with total page 179 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book uses case studies of Aotearoa New Zealand policy formulation and practice to explore early childhood education and care (ECEC) as a site for democratic citizenship and social justice. Addressing fundamental questions about the purpose of education, it argues for explicit values focusing on children and childhood as a basis for ECEC policy to replace discourses of economic investment and child vulnerability that are dominant within policy goals in many countries. A commitment to democracy and equity is a good place to start. Aotearoa New Zealand is of special interest because of its world-renowned ECE curriculum, Te Whāriki, which is based on principles of social justice, respect for rights and an aim to support children growing up in a democracy. The curriculum upholds Māori rights to tino rangatiratanga (absolute authority over their lives and resources). Yet, Aotearoa New Zealand’s extreme market policies and harsh labour laws during recent periods run contrary to ideals of democracy and are puzzlingly inconsistent with curriculum principles. The book starts with an analysis and critique of global trends in ECEC in countries that share capitalist mixed economies of welfare, and where competition and marketisation have become dominant principles. It then analyses ideas about children, childhood and ECEC within a framework of democracy, going back to the Athenean origins of democracy and including recent literature on meanings and traditions of democracy in education. The book uses vivid examples from researching curriculum, pedagogy and assessment practices within Aotearoa New Zealand ECEC settings and collective action to influence policy change in order to illustrate opportunities for democratic education. It concludes by examining what conditions might be needed for integrated and democratic ECEC provision in Aotearoa New Zealand, and what changes are necessary for the future. It offers a compass not a map; it points to promising directions and provides insights into issues in ECEC policy and practice that are of current global concern.
