Chapter 2, The Foundations of Early Childhood Education, is a Chapter about the history of early childhood education. Material on creating positive environments for thinkers and learners. Coverage of effective management of young children (with reference to recent work on bullying, ADD and ADHD). Coverage of multi-age classrooms, collaborative learning environments and curriculum planning. The chapter on curriculum planning features new authors, as does the chapter on transition. Comprehensive coverage of equity as it relates to; gender, socio-cultural, economic and ethnic inclusivity. The authors draw together theory on development, diversity and difference to give students an understanding of the dilemmas and complexities facing early childhood education today. Increased emphasis on the role of parents as partners in the process of early childhood education.

Contains useful references for further detailed reading and research.