Preface 

Overview to this Textbook

Welcome to Introduction to Early Childhood Education. This textbook will cover the following topics:

• An overview of the field of early learning
• Historical roots of early learning
• Professionalism, values and ethics required for working in the field
• Philosophers and theorists that have contributed to early learning
• Brain development and the importance of executive function
• Developmentally appropriate practice
• Developmental theory: how children grow and develop
• The value of play for young children
• Environments both indoors and outdoors and the contribution both make to the developing child
• Family connections and support for all families
• Issues and trends within the field of early learning
• Beyond behaviors:  guiding children’s behavior
• Diversity and equity within the field of early learning