Working with the Under Threes: Training and Professional Development

In order to do justice to the range of issues surrounding the care and education of the under threes and to meet the many and varied needs of the adults who work with them two books have been written under the title Early Interactions. The books incorporate the views of a wide range of people with a wealth of experience in the early years field as both practitioners and trainers. They are intended as an accessible, informative and challenging resource for all those involved in the care and education of children under three. Multiprofessional and interdisciplinary team work is essential in working with young children and their families and as the Rumbold Report (1990) emphasises - "no one person will possess all the knowledge and skills required for this important responsibility". The books provide a range of perspectives and will appeal equally to professionals, parents and anyone who cares about young children. They are particularly valuable as a resource for use in training at all levels. The training and support needs of Early Years workers is a key issue and provides a focus for debate in the present educational climate. Working with under threes carries a particular responsibility. The contributors to this book represent a wide range of experience and involvement as practitioners and trainers which they share in interesting and accessible chapters. The book is intended for all those responsible for, or training to work with, children under three on a variety of courses. Topics covered include - New approaches to training, continuing professional development, equal opportunities, working with parents and carers, men working with under threes, special educational needs, child protection, and the inspection process. Key issues are identified for consideration by all those working with young children.

Table of Contents:
Introduction "I know I can do it" training to work with the under threes "Have experience: want to learn" creating a new pathway to professionalism with a little European money and a lot of hard work from our friends "I'm not working with the under threes!" the need for continuing professional development within an early years team "Buildings as well as systems can appear as negative to males in early years settings" exploring the role and status of the male educarer working with the under threes "We need to know" identifying and supporting very young children with special educational needs "I'm like a friend, someone to chat to ...but a professional friend" how educators develop positive relationships with parents and children "There are lots of activities for him to do and plenty of help and care from the Educarers" supporting under threes and their parents in a parent-toddler group "Who is listening" protecting young children from abuse "Our very best show" registration and inspection, implications for work with under threes Drawing the threads together Bibliography Index.

About the Author :
Lesley Abbott is Professor of Early Childhood Education and Helen Moylett is a Senior Lecturer at the Manchester Metropolitan University. Both are involved in training students on B.Ed. and the new multiprofessional B.A. Early Childhood Studies degrees as well as working with students on Masters level courses. Lesley Abbott has been a member of both the influential Rumbold Committee and the RSA Early Learning Project and is Director of the research project 'Shaping the Future - Educare for the Under Threes'. Helen Moylett has had wide experience in working with parents and carers of young children.