An introduction to early childhood studies / Edited by Sacha Powell & Kate Smith.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I. Perspectives on Childhood : -- Childhood in Different Cultures / Joanne Westwood -- Childhood through the Ages / Yordanka Valkanova -- Sociology of Childhood / Nigel Thomas -- The Globalisation of Early Childhood Education and Care / Helen Penn -- Childhood in the Digital Age / Jackie Marsh -- Part II. The Developing Child : -- Thinking and Cognitive Development in Young Children / Ruth Ford -- Babies' and Young Childrens' Social and Emotional Development / Tricia David with Sacha Powell -- Language Development in the Young Child / Thea Cameron-Faulkner -- Play and Development in Early Childhood / Justine Howard -- Cultural-Historical Theories of Child Development / Marilyn Fleer -- Part III. Policy and Provision for Young Children : -- Early Childhood Policy and Services / Sonia Jackson -- Children's Rights and the Law / Nigel Thomas -- Early Childhood Education (ECE) / Iram Siraj-Blatchford -- Child Welfare and Protection / Dendy Platt -- Children's Health and Wellbeing / Sally Robinson -- Inclusive Policy and Practice / Siobhan O'Connor -- Part IV. Developing Effective Practice : -- Observing Children to Improve Practice / Helen Moylett -- Undertaking Research with Young Children / Alison Clark -- Is Working Together Working? / Angela Anning -- Effective Early Childhood Leadership / Carol Aubrey -- Early Childhood Education for Sustainability / Nicola Kemp -- Opening Pandora's Box: Postmodernist Perspectives of Childhood / Jayne Osgood.

This is a comprehensive text that will provide an introduction to the main theories and issues within the field of early childhood studies. The book adopts a multi-disciplinary approach and pulls together all the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood.