Description

By focusing on key figures in early years education and care, this book considers the influential thinkers and ground-breaking approaches that have revolutionized practice.

With contributions from the leading authorities and researchers in the field, chapters provide an explanation of the approach, an analysis of the theoretical background, case studies from practice and questions and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking.

Included are chapters on:

Froebel
Psychoanalytical theories of educating and caring for young children
Maria Montessori
Steiner Waldorf education
High/Scope
Post-modern and post-structuralist perspectives
The role of the creative arts
Forest Schools
Vivian Gussin Paley
Te Whariki

Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, from undergraduate to graduate degrees, the book asks the reader to engage with debates and to develop their own views and opinions. With staggered levels of further reading, the editors and contributors provide a rich source of material that encourages reflection and promotes progression.