Contents Introduction 1 Organization of the Book 3 1.The Urgent Need for Principals to Become Early Learning Leaders 5 Foundations of High-Quality Early Childhood Classrooms 6 The Need for Principals to Be Effective Early Learning Leaders 8 Six Competencies for Effective Instructional Leadership in Early Childhood 8 Increased Focus on Equity in Early Childhood 9 The Early Childhood Workforce 14 Principals as Bridge Builders 16 2.What Principals Need to Know About How Young Children Develop and Learn 19 Brain Development in the Early Childhood Years 19 Principles of Child Development and Learning 23 Young Children Learn in an Integrated Manner 25 Theories and Perspectives on Children''s Development and Learning 26 3.Understanding Identity and Inclusion in Early Childhood 38 Young Children''s Racial Identity Development 38 Young Children''s Gender Identity Development 41 Bilingual and Multilingual Development in the Early Years 50 Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays 53 Inclusive Environments in Early Childhood Education 55 4.Understanding Toxic Stress and Trauma in Early Childhood 62 Healthy Versus Unhealthy Stress 63 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 63 Early Experiences With Adversity Do Not Determine a Child''s Future 69 Defining Trauma 69 Neuroplasticity in the Early Years 77 Creating Trauma-Responsive Learning Environments and Schools 78 5.Understanding Curriculum in Early Childhood 81 Early Childhood Curriculum Looks Different From Elementary Curriculum 81 Curriculum Planning in Early Childhood 86 Different Approaches That Inform Curriculum in Early Childhood Education 90 Resisting a Standardized and Scripted Curriculum 112 6.Instruction in the Early Childhood Classroom 115 The Importance of Individualizing 115 Play as a Primary Context for Teaching and Learning 117 Play-Based Learning Across a Continuum 118 The Benefits of Play for Children''s Learning and Development 123 Different Types of Play That Support Learning and Development 124 Open-Ended Materials and Loose Parts 127 Outdoor Play 128 Play Is Disappearing 130 7.Creating a Caring Community of Learners 132 The Teaching Pyramid Model 132 Exclusionary Discipline in Preschool Classrooms 141 8.

A Closer Look at Powerful Learning in Early Childhood Classrooms 148 Promoting Cognitive Development 148 Promoting Language Development and the Emergence of Literacy 156 Promoting Creativity and Artistic Expression 170 Promoting Antiracist, Antibias Education 170 Promoting Trauma-Responsive Practice 179 9.Assessment in Early Childhood 183 Characteristics of Effective Assessment Environments and Practices 184 Monitoring Young Children''s Growth and Development 189 One-Time "Snapshot" Assessments 197 Concerns With Standardized Testing in Early Childhood 198 Effective and Equitable Use of Assessment in Early Childhood Classrooms 200 Involving Parents and Families in Assessment 200 Conclusion 205 Appendix A: Conducting Effective Early Learning Walk-Through Observations 207 Appendix B: Professional Development for Principals to Learn About High-Quality Early Childhood Education 209 Appendix C: Resources 214 References 219 Index 235 About the Authors 247.