Understanding Early Childhood

Book excerpt: Review of the first edition: "This book should be essential reading for every student of Early Childhood. Helen Penn is a highly regarded academic who has the rare ability to write simply and lucidly about complex issues. This eagerly awaited new edition provides a lively critical overview of the field. Highly recommended." Professor Trisha Maynard, Head of the Department of Childhood Studies, Swansea University, UK Understanding Early Childhood provides students with a clear, user-friendly introduction to a number of difficult concepts and theories in early childhood education. Drawing on research evidence from various countries and reviewing studies about children from different disciplines - including anthropology, economics, history, psychology and sociology - it offers broad and insightful perspectives on the ways in which we understand and study young children. Revised and updated throughout, the second edition covers contemporary theories and debates in a concise and accessible style. Unique features include: A critical discussion of child development A broad interdisciplinary approach A general overview of theoretical approaches and research methodologies New coverage of global trends about childhood. An important new chapter on the economics of early education and care Updates on the relevance of neuroscience and genetic research to early childhood 'What to read next' at the end of each chapter The ability to be used by varying levels of students The book concludes with a postscript on the theme of interdisciplinary thinking and a critique of current policy initiatives in the UK. Understanding Early Childhood is key reading for early childhood students and practitioners working with young children.