Table of Contents

* Preface *1. Early Childhood Education: The Profession in Focus *2. The Foundations of Early Childhood Education *3. An Introduction to the Early Years of School *4. Transition in Early Childhood Education (Associate Professor Collette Tayler) *5. Understanding Children in the Early Years of School *6. Assessment and Observation in Education *7. Creating a Positive Learning Environment for all Children *8. Curriculum for Learners and Thinkers *9. Equity in the Classroom *10. Responding to Diversity *11. Creating a Positive Environment for Children with Special Needs *12. Curriculum: Programming, Planning and Evaluation (Rosemary Sandstrom & Lyn Tonkin) *13. Classroom Organisation *14. Managing Young Children: Discipline in the Classroom *15. Parents as Partners in Early Education * Epilogue: The need for continuous critical reflection and professional development * Appendix * References * Index