An Introduction to Early Childhood

`This collection of papers makes a valuable contribution to the growing number of books that take a multidisciplinary approach to early childhood studies' - Nursery World

'This is a useful book for students of early childhood, raising interesting and challenging questions about the field, and encouraging them to look a their own beliefs and practices in a reflective way' - Early Years

Linking theory to multiprofessional practice in the early years field, this book explores all the major themes of care and education in early childhood.

Included are chapters on:

- children's learning

- children's rights, child protection and children's health

- inclusion and special educational needs

- collaborative practice across education, health and social work

- international perspectives on early childhood.

Each chapter will contain summaries of key points and direct the readers towards further reading for continued study.

Students on Early Childhood Studies, Early Years Foundation Degrees and Early Years QTS courses will find this book invaluable, no matter what their previous academic experience. The book is also useful for HLTA and NVQ students.

Tim Waller is Early Years Research Group Leader at University College Northampton.

He has extensive experience of planning, directing and examining early childhood studies degree courses over the last seven years.