The 12th edition of this best selling text continues to set the standard for contemporary early childhood practices.  This text does an excellent job of presenting broad, foundational content on current issues influencing early childhood education today. It is renowned for its clear, student friendly approach, readability, and engaging style. The text provides a straight-forward presentation of early childhood education today with many practical examples and authentic voices of classroom teachers. Its strong coverage of development in the age specific chapters and its emphasis on diversity make it the text for all teacher preparation programs. It provides a comprehensive coverage of families, diversity, children with special needs, history, theories, and diverse programs, technology, and professionalism that most courses require. New content on accommodating diverse learners, teaching Ells, and inclusion practices make it the strongest coverage of special needs students on the market.