Part 1  •    Early Childhood Education and Professional Development 

Chapter 1   You and Early Childhood Education: What Does It Mean to Be a Professional?  

Chapter 2   Current Issues and Public Policy: Contemporary Influences on Children and Families  

Chapter 3   Observation and Assessment for Teaching and Learning: Effective Teaching Through Appropriate Evaluation

Part 2  •    Foundations: History and Theories  

Chapter 4   The Past and the Present: Prologue to the Future  

Chapter 5   Theories Applied to Teaching and Learning: Foundations for Practice  

Part 3  •    Programs and Services for Children and Families  

Chapter 6   Early Childhood Programs: Applying Theories to Practice 

Chapter 7   Child Care: Meeting the Needs of Children and Families  

Chapter 8   The Federal and State Government: Supporting Children’s Success 

Part 4  •    Teaching Today’s Young Children: Linking Development and Learning  

Chapter 9   Infants and Toddlers: Foundation Years for Learning 

Chapter 10    The Preschool Years: Readiness for School and Life 

Chapter 11    Kindergarten Education: Learning All You Need to Know  

Chapter 12    The Primary Grades: Preparation for Lifelong Success  

Chapter 13    Technology and Young Children: Education for the Information Age  

Part 5  •    Meeting the Special Needs of Young Children 

Chapter 14    Guiding Children: Helping Children Become Responsible  

Chapter 15    Multiculturalism:  Living and Learning in a Diverse Society  

Chapter 16    Children with Diverse Needs: Appropriate Education for All 

Chapter 17    Parent, Family, and the Community Involvement: Building Partnerships for Student Success  

Appendix A NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment 

Appendix B NAEYC Guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age Eight

Appendix C Time Line: The History of Early Childhood Education  

Endnotes  

Glossary  

Index