Working with Children Aged 0-3 and Their Families

This inspiring book shows how Early Years staff can support the best possible practice for children under three and their families whilst making use of the limited funding available. Promoting the idea of infants as powerful learners, the authors focus on 0-3 years as the vital first phase of education and care, which can require a very specific pedagogical approach. They discuss the principles that underpin the practice of working with the youngest children, the critical nature of highly effective pedagogical practice and the important role of family workers in building relationships with parents and the extended family. Working with Children Aged 0-3 and Their Families explores the challenges and responsibilities of working with young children and communicates the 'Pen Green approach'. Pen Green has become a focal point for Early Years professionals due to its outstanding Early Years provision. The innovative approach chronicled in this book will encourage practitioners to research their own practice and use the outcomes to create a radical, unique and yet highly effective provision for infants, toddlers and their families. The book will be of interest to Early Years professionals, foundation and undergraduate students, and early childhood educators.

Tracy Gallagher is one of the Joint Heads of the Pen Green Centre, Corby, Northamptonshire, UK. Cath Arnold is an Early Years Consultant.

About the Contributors Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Principles for working with children under three and their families 2. Setting up the baby and toddler provision at Pen Green 3. Establishing the birth-to-three team and building their capacity to work with young children in an education and care provision 4. The role of the Family Worker 5. Supporting families in challenging circumstances: extending the 'Key Person' role 6. Celebrating the voice of the child 7. 'Pedagogic Strategies': a conceptual framework for effective parent and practitioner strategies when working with children under five 8. Consultancy observation: a methodology to promote group reflective capacity 9. Universal and specialised groups for children under three and their families 10. Growing Together: a group for parents and carers with infants and toddlers 11. The 'Being Two' project: disseminating good practice locally and nationally Index