Includes bibliographical references and index.

Early childhood education and professional development. You and early childhood education: what does it mean to be a professional? -- Current issues and public policy: contemporary influences on children and families -- Observation and assessment for teaching and learning: effective teaching through appropriate evaluation -- Foundations: history and theories. The past and the present: prologue to the future -- Theories applied to teaching and learning: foundations for practice -- Programs and services for children and families. Early childhood programs:applying theories to practice -- Child care: meeting the needs of children and families -- The federal government: supporting children's success -- Teaching today's young children: linking development and learning. Infants and toddlers: foundation years for learning -- The preschool years: getting ready for school and life -- Kindergarten education: learning all you need to know -- The primary grades: preparation for lifelong success -- Technology and young children: education for the information age -- Meeting the special needs of young children. Guiding children: helping children become responsible -- Multiculturalism: education for living in a diverse society -- Children with diverse needs: appropriate education for all -- Parent, family, and community involvement: building partnerships for success.