This volume contributes to the burgeoning dialogue on the "Reggio Emilia" approach, and features the work of scholars, policy-makers, researchers, administrators and practising teachers who have created and directed the infant-toddler care systems in four cities in Italy. Joined by American educators and researchers (including Ron Lally, Rebecca New and Jeanne Goldhaber), their work builds upon and extends inclusionary and family-centred philosophies. It combines missions of care and education, and produces innovations in space and environments. The collection contains examples from dynamic, open systems of organization that support emotional and cognitive development of infants and toddlers, and respect the delicate relationship between parents and their young.