Understanding early childhood : issues and controversies / Helen Penn.

Previous ed.: 2008.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Remembering childhood -- 2. Researching reality -- 3. Not Piaget again -- 4. Genes, neurons and ancestors -- 5. On the other side of the world -- 6. Past, present and future -- 7. Children's rights and the ethics of childhood -- 8. What it costs and what it's worth: the economics of early childhood -- 9. Practice makes no difference -- 10. An interdisciplinary approach?

"Understanding Early Childhood is a comprehensive textbook which offers broad and insightful perspectives across a range of themes on the ways in which we understand and study young children. Engaging and clear, it provides students with a user-friendly introduction to a number of difficult concepts and theories in early childhood education, drawing on research evidence from various countries and taking an interdisciplinary approach. Revised and updated throughout, the third edition brings contemporary theories and debates bang up-to-date in a concise, accessible and yet reflective style. Unique features include: A substantial and critically informed discussion of child development; An updated overview of theoretical approaches and research methodologies; Considerable revisions on neuroscience and genetic research in light of recent developments; Extended coverage of ethics; The challenges and problematic nature of interdisciplinary working; 'Main Messages' provide helpful summaries of key points; 'What to Read Next' signposts stimulating reading. Understanding Early Childhood is an indispensable resource for early childhood students from undergraduate to postgraduate level, and practitioners working with young children."--Publisher's website.