Understanding Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia

In order to effectively practise as an early childhood educator it is essential to understand the theories, policies and pedagogy that shape the discipline. Understanding Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia provides core foundational knowledge that is critical for best practice. Part One looks at concepts of childhood and the development of mass education before examining influential theories including developmental psychology, sociology, feminisms and critical theory. Specific approaches are also analysed including Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Multiple Intelligences and HighScope. Part Two focuses on the guiding frameworks and policies in Australia and explores in depth issues affecting Indigenous children and provisions for recognising diversity and the practice of inclusion. The final section examines teaching and leadership and considers curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, building relationships between staff and families, the care of babies and infants, the environment in which early childhood education takes place and the responsibilities and professional development of teachers. This essential reference will ensure pre-service teachers develop a sophisticated understanding of how theory underpins effective practice in early childhood education.

JO AILWOOD is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, The University of Newcastle. WENDY BOYD is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood in the School of Education, Southern Cross University. MARYANNE THEOBALD is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood, Faculty of Education at Queensland University of Technology.

List of tables and figures Contributors Introduction PART 1: HISTORICAL, THEORETICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES OF ECEC 1 The development of early childhood education and care in Australia - Sandie Wong and Frances Press 2 Historical perspectives on children and childhood - Joanne Ailwood 3 Theoretical perspectives on early childhood - Mindy Blaise 4 Practical approaches and philosophies in early childhood education and care - Linda Henderson and Susan Edwards PART 2: PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES IN ECEC POLICY AND PROVISION 5 Key ideas, research and challenges in early childhood education and care - Maryanne Theobald and Gillian Busch 6 Contexts, policy and frameworks of early childhood education and care - Megan Gibson 7 Cultural safety for Indigenous children in early childhood education and care - Margot Ford 8 Diversity and inclusion in early childhood education and care - Melinda G. Miller 9 Ethical responsibilities in early childhood education and care - Ann Farrell PART 3: PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES IN TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP 10 Planning for children's learning: curriculum, pedagogy and assessment - Sandra Cheeseman 11 Relationships between staff, children and families - Karen Hawkins 12 Understanding babies: promoting young children's learning and development - Wendy Boyd 13 Flexible and sustainable learning environments - Joy Goodfellow 14 Professionalism for early childhood educators - Louise Mary Thomas Acknowledgements Index