Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education: History, Theories, and Approaches to Learning

For Introduction to Early Childhood and Curriculum in Early Childhood courses.                   Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education helps teachers connect early childhood education beliefs and philosophies to professional practice. It provides insights into common program models or approaches, including Reggio Emilia, Montessori, High/Scope, Head Start, Waldorf, and The Project Approach. Real classroom stories illustrate how teachers and programs integrate child-centered approaches into actual practice. Running themes emphasise teachers’ roles, views of children, inclusion, and diversity. New and experienced teachers alike will learn to define, shape, and reshape their own practices to advocate on behalf of children and families.     The 4th Edition reflects the most recent changes in early childhood education, including legislative and policy changes and the latest research on effective practice. Throughout the text, content has been expanded to include even more emphasis on inclusive practices and diversity. 

Table of Contents:
Part 1: Foundations 1. Welcome to the Field of Early Childhood Education 2. Historical Overview: People and Beliefs That Shaped the Field 3. Professionalism in Early Childhood Education: Framing Best Practices 4. Influential Theories Shaping Practice Today 5. Families and Children Today: Diversity in Today’s Classrooms Part 2: Models and Approaches 6. Head Start and Early Head Start: Empowering Change from Within 7. The High/Scope Foundation: Models in Curriculum and Research 8. The Project Approach: Active Inquiry in Early Childhood 9. The Schools of Reggio Emilia: A Child’s World 10. Montessori Education: Environment, Materials, and Methods 11. Waldorf Education: Harmony and the Whole Child Part 3: Beginning the Journey 12. Bringing It All Together: Imagining and Becoming Appendix A: Early Childhood Education Historical Time Line and Notes Appendix B: Key Contributors Appendix C: Guiding Principles: Meshing Approaches Appendix D: Multiple Intelligence Planning Web

About the Author :
About our author Lissanna Follari has been faculty in early childhood teacher education programs for 13 years and is currently Director for the Bachelors of Innovation in Inclusive Early Childhood Education with the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs. She has written 2 textbooks with Pearson, Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, 3rd Edition and Valuing Diversity in Early Childhood, 1st Edition, both published in 2014. She began her career as a passionate educator for young children and families 2 decades ago and has taught toddlers through elementary school children. Along the way, Dr. Follari also served in child care and lab school administration roles, always promoting play-based, whole-child centered learning environments filled with wonder and beauty for children and teachers alike. She presents training and workshops at several regional and national conferences annually in addition to teaching and writing. Above all else, Dr. Follari is a dedicated advocate for joy and excellence in early childhood care and education, passions that are fueled by her most important role as a mother.